Why Do My Teeth Still Get Yellow After Regular Cleaning?

You have been maintaining your regular dental care, but still, your teeth do not seem to retain that bright shine. Why does this occur even after undergoing professional cleanings? It’s a question many patients wonder about, and the response may surprise you. Even with all your efforts, there are many reasons why your teeth may become yellow. These include natural aging and lifestyle choices. We’ll delve into the reasons and share tips to help you maintain the freshness of your smile between cleanings.

1. Diet and Lifestyle Choices

One of the leading causes of yellow teeth is the foods and drinks you consume. While regular cleanings may remove surface plaque, they may not always address deeper food-related stains. Beverages such as coffee, tea, and wine, as well as some foods like berries and tomato sauce, can stain your teeth. Yellow teeth can also be caused by smoking and chewing tobacco. The pigments in these materials tend to stick to your teeth over time, resulting in enamel staining. 

Pro Tip: If you love these foods and drinks, try rinsing your mouth with water after consuming them to help minimize staining.

2. Aging and Wear on Enamel

Enamel on the teeth wears away as a person ages. This is a process that unfolds over time and can be influenced by a range of factors, including genetics, diet, and oral care routines. As the enamel layer thins, the naturally yellow dentin layer becomes visible. Routine dental care in Morrisville, NC, can help you maintain your enamel, but it can’t stop this process. 

Tip: You can help protect your enamel from further damage by maintaining a healthy diet and using toothpaste for sensitive teeth.

3. Medications and Medical Conditions

Many medications, including tetracycline-based treatments such as most antibiotics, can discolor teeth. Typically, people who have taken medicines while their teeth were developing or as children tend to have more yellowed teeth later in life. In addition, dry mouth and gum disease, which affect the mouth, can also affect the appearance of discolored teeth.

Tip: If you are on medication or have a medical condition that affects your teeth, please speak with your dentist for advice on how to best care for your teeth.

4. Poor Oral Hygiene

Although routine cleanings performed by a dentist help to control plaque and tartar buildup, you cannot ignore the need to perform daily oral hygiene activities. The absence of brushing and flossing after dental cleaning allows plaque and tartar to build up again, contributing to yellowed teeth. Using whitening toothpaste and brushing your teeth twice daily will reduce or eliminate the risk of staining between visits.

Tip: Be sure to floss and brush at least twice daily to keep your smile bright between dentist visits!

To Keep Your Teeth White: How Do You Keep Your Teeth White?

There are numerous ways to prevent tooth yellowing after routine dental cleanings. 

• First, consider using whitening toothpaste or strips regularly. 
• Secondly, ask your dentist if he has any in-office whiteners available that would give the best results.
• Another way to keep your teeth white is to limit the amount of staining foods and beverages you consume and rinse your mouth with water after eating something that could stain your teeth.
• Also, drinking water regularly helps remove food particles between your teeth and reduces staining.
• Lastly, if you are a smoker, you should quit smoking because tobacco is one of the most complex substances to remove from your teeth and also causes them to discolor further.

Keeping Your Smile Bright

Maintaining a bright, white, healthy smile is important; therefore, routine dental care in Morrisville, NC, is essential. Also, a combination of good at-home oral hygiene and a mindful diet can help you keep your teeth from yellowing. If you are interested in additional whitening options, ask your dentist about his professional whitening treatments, which can offer long-term results.

Ready for Your Next Cleaning?

At Dental Care of Morrisville, we’re dedicated to helping you keep your smile as bright as possible. Schedule your next routine cleaning with us today, and let us help you achieve a smile that’s not just healthy, but radiant!

FAQs

Why do my teeth get yellow even though I brush regularly?

Teeth that are getting can be caused by age, the food you eat, and your lifestyle. While brushing is helpful, it cannot eliminate deep stains or stop natural enamel wear.

Can teeth whitening help with yellow teeth after cleanings?

Yes, professional whitening treatments can help remove deep stains that simple cleanings won’t fix.

How often should I get a cleaning to avoid yellow teeth?

Maintain a bright smile by having a dentist perform a professional cleaning every 6 months.

Does smoking cause yellow teeth even with regular cleanings?

The answer is yes, tobacco can leave a dark stain on teeth, which is often difficult to remove on one’s own.

Can yellow teeth be a sign of a health problem?

If your teeth are yellowing, it may indicate a health issue, such as dry mouth. Thus, when you see a difference in your smile, consulting the dentist is wise.

Are there any foods I should avoid to prevent yellow teeth?

Foods such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sauces can stain your teeth. Limiting these can help prevent yellowing.

How long do whitening results last?

The results of professional whitening can last from six months to a year, depending on diet and oral care.