The natural color of your teeth should match the whites of your eyes. However, if it does not, there’s no reason to panic. There are lots of reasons your teeth may turn yellow or discolored- even if you are vigilant with your oral hygiene habits.
Tooth whitening procedures can help with making yellow teeth become white again. This is a cosmetic procedure designed to improve the appearance of teeth. Since there are no functional benefits, most dental insurance providers will not cover teeth whitening treatments.
Legacy Dental in Salt Lake City, Utah offers several options for whitening your yellow teeth. In this article, we’ll explain four options for whitening your discolored teeth and how to prevent the discoloration from coming back.
Teeth whitening is a safe, non-invasive, affordable cosmetic dental procedure that involves removing both extrinsic and intrinsic staining on teeth.
- Extrinsic stains involve the enamel, or outer layer, of the teeth
- Intrinsic stains extend past the enamel, into the dentin.
Teeth whitening offers a variety of benefits including improving your appearance by making you look younger and boosting your confidence.
There are several options for whitening your yellow teeth, including:
Results from teeth whitening should last at least 6 months to a year. However, if you do not change your habits, the results will not last. Below are a few tips to help you prevent your teeth from staining yellow after whitening:
Avoid Darker Colored Foods
Over time, darker-colored foods/beverages including coffee, tea, red wine, soy sauce, berries, dark chocolate, and more can cause tooth stains to develop. If possible, these should be avoided. If you do consume these, you should rinse your mouth immediately and, if possible, brush your teeth.
Avoid Smoking
Tooth discoloration is most common among those who smoke or use smokeless tobacco products. Plus, these products have a negative impact on your overall health. Ideally, you should quit using these products completely. If you need help, ask your dentist or medical provider for guidance.
Avoid Acidic Foods
Acidic foods can damage tooth enamel, which allows the dentin to show through. Dentin is the middle layer of the teeth, which is naturally more yellow than enamel. By avoiding these foods, you can reduce your risk of enamel erosion.
Regularly Visit the Dentist
According to the American Dental Association, you should visit the dentist at least every 6 months. This will help to prevent any issues before they escalate and can keep your teeth brighter and whiter.
If your teeth are yellow or otherwise discolored, schedule an evaluation with the team at Legacy Dental today. We have the experience and expertise to determine the type of staining you have, what caused it in the first place, and the best option for whitening your teeth.
We are located at 1345 East 3900 South, Suite 116 in Salt Lake City. You can schedule your visit by calling the office at (801) 278-4223 or by visiting the website. In addition to teeth whitening, we offer a variety of general, cosmetic, and restorative dental services for the entire family.
