Why do your teeth turn yellow over time?

Are you afraid to smile in pictures because of the color of your teeth? Have you ever considered whitening your teeth but you’re not sure where to start? There are countless products available to help you achieve a whiter smile, some are even available at your local drugstore or pharmacy. Before understanding how to lighten your smile, it is important to comprehend the reasons your teeth begin to get darker over time.

There are many factors and habits that can lead to darkening of your teeth. Your diet can affect the color of your teeth. Drinking sodas, coffee, and wine will lead to staining by damaging the enamel of your teeth. This is one of the most common causes of discoloration. Another extremely common issue is smoking. These stains can be extremely stubborn and difficult to correct. Certain medications or genetic predispositions can lead to discoloration of the teeth as well.

There are two layers of your teeth: the enamel is the transparent outer layer and the dentin is the internal part that contains the color. With time, the enamel begins to thin out from acid erosion or simply from using your teeth and this causes the dentin to be more prevalent. This is why people say your teeth get darker with age.

Natural Teeth Whitening Methods

Activated Charcoal: Brushing your teeth with black charcoal can alleviate some of the stains on your teeth over time because the charcoal absorbs the stains.

Oil Pulling: Put one to two tablespoons of coconut oil in your mouth and swish it around for about 15 minutes. This helps “pull” bacteria and stains out of your teeth.

Hydrogen Peroxide or Baking Soda: Both of these substances help oxidize and alkalize, but they need to sit on the teeth for some time to work.

Professional Teeth Whitening

There are various in-office procedures for teeth whitening and Princeton Center for Dental Aesthetics and Implants offers the leading selection of these methods. Typically, these procedures include a high concentration of peroxide gel that is applied to the teeth. These sessions can take as little as 20 minutes and are ideal for maximum results. Custom trays can be made to continue the process at home and ensure that the results last.

If you are interested in having a brighter smile, call Princeton Center for Dental Aesthetics and Implants at 609-924-1414 to schedule an appointment.