Tooth discoloration is common but widely unwanted. Sparkling white teeth are the current beauty standard, and they are indicators of good oral health — but not always. Sometimes teeth are discolored but still healthy. For example, people’s teeth can look naturally yellow, or turn darker as they age. However, certain brushing techniques can also cause discoloration, despite people’s efforts to prevent it. Fortuantely, they are easy mistakes to correct.
What causes yellow teeth?
The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes every time. The process of brushing removes food and plaque from the teeth. Plaque is a sticky, white, and bacteria-filled coating that forms on the surface of enamel, which is the hard outer shell of the teeth. Enamel protects the tooth from cavities and infection, explains Cindy Zhou, D.M.D., M.S., from the Mayo Clinic.
However, plaque can break down this protective coating and harden into tartar. Tartar buildup makes teeth harder to keep clean, and more prone to inflammation and gum disease. Additionally, plaque leads to yellow teeth. So brushing your teeth isn’t just about looking good; it protects the body from infections. And a sparkling white smile is an inviting perk.
Wet your toothbrush first
It’s a long-held debate between experts: Should you wet the toothbrush before adding toothpaste or not? Dentist Ferakh Hamid, from Aesthetique Dental Care in the UK, says absolutely. “Before you start brushing, it’s a good idea to wet your toothbrush. This little step makes it easier to spread the toothpaste all over your teeth, making cleaning more effective,” he said to Daily Mail. “Dry brushing might seem good for getting rid of surface stains at first, but without water, toothpaste doesn’t spread well, leading to dull teeth.”
Additionally, wetting the toothbrush before brushing helps soften the bristles, which makes the cleaning process more gentle and comfortable. Dry and stiff bristles can feel harsh for people, especially those with sensitive gums and teeth. Keep in mind that wetting the brush before adding toothpaste does a better job of softening the bristles, but wetting it after toothpaste helps it foam and activate. Either way, ensure you use just enough water to wet the brush, since too much can dilute the toothpaste and make it less effective.
Brushing too soon
Brushing your teeth after a meal may seem like a good idea, but not always. Certain acidic foods weaken the enamel, and brushing them in that condition can hurt the tooth and make it look yellow. “Brushing too soon after eating acidic foods can wear down your tooth enamel,” Dr. Hamid said. “This reveals the yellower layer beneath and makes your teeth look more yellow. To avoid this, it’s better to wait a while after eating acidic foods before you brush, ensuring your enamel stays strong and your teeth stay healthy.”
Acidic foods include fruit juice, wine, sour candy, sugary and sugar-free soda, and citrus fruits. Therefore, many dentists recommend waiting half an hour for the enamel to recover before brushing. However, you should rinse your mouth or drink water to neutralize acids and help the enamel begin remineralizing.
More teeth-brushing tips
- Only squeeze a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto the brush. More is not necessary.
- Use toothpaste with fluoride, says News Medical.
- Spit out all toothpaste after brushing but don’t rinse your mouth with water right away. Instead, let the fluoride stay on the teeth to further clean them.
- Wait a half an hour to use mouthwash after brushing. Then try not to eat or drink anything for a half an hour after that.
- Brush for two minutes at a time and hold the brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums.
- Brush gently, you don’t need to brush harshly for effective cleaning. In fact, brushing too hard can strip the enamel.
- Don’t forget to clean the tongue and gums.
- Use floss daily (toothpicks and similar appliances aren’t thorough enough).
- Replace your toothbrush every few months, especially if the bristles are frayed or bent.
Overall, don’t neglect oral hygiene. Research has linked gum disease (gingivitis) and unhealthy oral bacteria to serious health conditions like pneumonia, diabetes, pregnancy complications, and heart disease, says periodontist Sasha Ross, DMD, MS, to the Cleveland Clinic. “...You should think of your mouth as an extension of the rest of your body,” Dr. Ross says. “By looking in a person’s mouth, I often get a sense of what their overall health is…” Therefore, taking care of your teeth is a crucial part of taking care of your physical well-being.
Read More: If Your Teeth Are Turning ‘See-Through’ Could Be a Sign of a Bigger Issue
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.