Why are my teeth yellow when I brush them every day? You've been brushing morning and night, but the yellow stains persist. It's maddening, isn't it? You're doing everything the "right" way—brushing your teeth every morning and every night, brushing with the correct toothpaste, avoiding sugar. And still, your smile isn't what you like it to be.
You're not alone. There are a lot of people who have the same problem: yellow teeth that just won't stop being yellow. The fact is, brushing isn't always sufficient to tackle the real reasons for discolouration. It's not about brushing harder or changing toothpaste. There are underlying reasons your teeth stay yellow, and if you can get to the root of them, that's the first step toward a solution. Let's explore those reasons and figure out how you can finally have a smile that glows.
Poor Brushing Technique
You may be brushing your teeth daily, but are you brushing them properly? Most people think that if they're brushing, they're good to go. But really, the technique of brushing teeth is just as important, if not more so, than brushing frequency. If you're brushing fast, hard, or not brushing the whole surface area, you're probably leaving areas where the plaque is going to develop.
Plaque buildup is among the most frequent causes of yellow teeth. The bacterial film of sticky material clings to your teeth, and if not cleaned, it becomes tartar, which has to be removed by a dentist. Ineffective brushing style causes plaque to stick around easily, and your teeth turn yellow.
In order to get a cleaner, make sure to brush gently for at least two minutes and brush all surfaces of your teeth. Brush around your teeth in a circular motion, and make sure to brush the back of your teeth. A small change in technique can make a big difference in the health and brightness of your smile.
For more information on proper brushing techniques, check out How to Use an Electric Toothbrush.
Tartar and Plaque Accumulation
No brushing will do the job if it permits plaque accumulation. Plaque is a sticky layer of germs that form on your teeth every day. If left in position long enough, it hardens into tartar, a yellowish deposit that brushing cannot remove. In addition to making the teeth appear repulsive, tartar can lead to gum disease as well as tooth decay.
The longer tartar remains on your teeth, the more yellow they become. Brushing is necessary, but it's not a solution. Tartar must be removed, and that's something professionally done by a dentist. Meanwhile, preventing plaque from becoming tartar is the best defence against yellowing.
You can learn more about this issue in Draining of Oral Abscess at Home.
Diet and Food
If you're consuming coffee, tea, or wine every day, you may be unintentionally staining your teeth yellow. These beverages contain tannins and acids that will stain your enamel eventually. When you brush, these stains will be left behind since they stick to the surface of your teeth.
But it's not only the culprits such as wine or coffee. Even wholesome fruits such as berries, soy sauce, and tomato products can stain unless they are washed. And don't forget acidic foods. Citrus fruits, for instance, can dissolve enamel, leaving your teeth vulnerable to staining.
Now we know that it is not realistic to eliminate all of these foods—they are healthy in most cases. But you can do a couple of things to make them as harmless as possible to your teeth. Rinse your mouth or drink water after consuming or drinking staining foods or beverages to rinse out the staining substance before it has a chance to harden. Brushing your teeth right after eating or drinking might not be the best thing to do, particularly after consuming acidic foods, because it will further damage enamel.
Smoking and Tobacco Consumption
Let's face it: smoking and tobacco use are two of the biggest culprits when it comes to yellow teeth. The chemicals in tobacco cling to your teeth and deposit ugly stains that are difficult to get rid of. Not only do they stain your teeth, but they also soften enamel, making them prone to stains in the future.
Worse is that tobacco stains have a tendency to penetrate deeper into the enamel, so they are not susceptible to normal whitening procedures. To learn more about how smoking can impact oral health, take a look at Smoking After Tooth Extraction: All You Need to Know.
Genetics and Aging
The more we age, the more enamel we will lose, and the dentin underneath will show through, which has a yellowish hue. It's a natural part of the ageing process, but it will dull your teeth and make them yellower. You can't stop the ageing process, but you can prevent your teeth from being damaged further by keeping them as white as possible.
Medical Conditions and Medication
Certain antibiotics, like tetracycline, can stain teeth, particularly when taken as a child when teeth are forming. Antihistamines, medications for blood pressure, and certain chemotherapy drugs also affect the colour of your teeth.
Additionally, conditions like enamel hypoplasia, leading to underdeveloped enamel, may predispose teeth to staining.
The Takeaway
If you've been asking yourself, "Why are my teeth yellow when I brush them daily?" It's time to stop getting frustrated and take action. There are numerous reasons why your teeth are yellowing, from improper brushing technique and plaque to diet, smoking, and even your genetic makeup. With knowledge of the underlying reasons, you can guide yourself into taking the right steps to a whiter smile.
One of the greatest tools you can incorporate into your daily routine is a water flosser. The Oclean W10 Water Flosser can help remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria that a brush can't. Regular use, along with good brushing, can significantly improve the health and look of your teeth. Don't give up—take charge of your oral care routine and strive for the whiter smile you deserve.
