What are Yellow Stains on Teeth?
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Yellow Stains
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Yellow stains are discolorations on the enamel of your teeth. Yellow stains don't just tarnish your teeth; they can have a negative impact on your confidence and self-esteem. Some yellow stains on your teeth are beyond your control. In most cases, yellow stains on the teeth can be removed or greatly improved. Yellow stains can be divided into two different categories: extrinsic, affecting the outer layer of your teeth; or intrinsic, affecting the inner layer of your teeth.
Extrinsic Yellow Stains
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There are some foods and drinks that will leave yellow stains on your teeth. Coffee, tea and red wine will permanently discolor your teeth. However, you can improve the yellowing. In mild cases, you can use a teeth whitener at home, which you can buy over the counter. If your yellow stains are more severe, you may garner better results by having your teeth whitened by your dentist. Foods that are highly acidic will also cause your teeth to yellow, so you should curb your consumption of these kinds of foods. In addition, not brushing your teeth enough, or not brushing your teeth properly, will trap food particles under the surface of your teeth, leading to bacteria that also causes yellow stains.
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Intrinsic Yellow Stains
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Certain antibiotics will cause orange or yellow stains on your teeth. Tetracycline is an antibiotic that is frequently prescribed for bacterial infections, and it is a major culprit of yellow stains. Discoloration caused by antibiotics can be improved with teeth whitening. Also, fluorosis is a yellowing caused when the teeth receive too much fluoride. This condition is usually seen in children who have consumed more fluoride than their size and weight could handle. The results of fluorosis cannot be reversed, but the yellow stains can be improved with tooth whitening as well.
Preventing Yellow Stains
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If you are not ready to give up coffee, tea, and red wine then drink them through a straw. This practice will help prevent the liquids from touching the teeth. Brush your two or three times a day. If possible, brush your teeth after each meal and floss your teeth at least once a day to remove any hidden bacteria-causing food particles. In addition, you need to be cognizant that some yellow stains on the teeth can be attributed to age. As you get older, the structure of your teeth becomes less porous, which will cause the teeth to yellow or darken.
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