A dentist is adamant: "Yellow teeth are not only caused by poor hygiene"
It's a question that concerns many people: the origin of yellow teeth and how to combat this worrying problem, both visually and for hygiene and self-image. A specialist is dispelling a preconceived notion: no, it's not just because we brush our teeth incorrectly.
A Spanish orthodontist with over 100,000 followers on TikTok provided this little reminder before offering some advice. "Yellow teeth aren't just due to poor hygiene," professional Almudena Herraiz categorically states.
She then explains that the color of our teeth is largely determined by an internal tissue called dentin. Enamel, the translucent outer layer, only reflects the shade of this dentin, which can naturally tend towards yellow in some people. "Obviously, hygiene plays a role, as do the food pigments we consume, such as tobacco or turmeric, for example. But many people who have very good hygiene have much more yellow teeth than others, because their inner layer of teeth is much more yellow," explains the orthodontist. Our genetic makeup can therefore contribute to the more or less yellow color of our teeth.
To limit yellowing, some good practices are still recommended. In addition to naturally yellow dentin, other external factors can also accentuate tooth discoloration:
- Frequent consumption of coffee, tea, red wine which contain coloring tannins
- Smoking
- Highly pigmented foods such as red fruits, curry, turmeric or beetroot
- Acidic drinks (sodas, fruit juices) which erode enamel
- Candy and food colorings
With age, enamel also gradually wears away, revealing more of the underlying yellowish dentin. This is a natural process, although good dental hygiene can slow it down.
To get whiter teeth, the orthodontist suggests taking care of your oral hygiene and brushing your teeth, and if necessary, consulting a professional. If you suspect that the yellowing is due to poor hygiene, a scaling procedure will help remove the colored plaque on the surface. Teeth whitening treatments can then be performed after consulting a professional.
L'Internaute
