It's a question our patients at our Town of Mount Royal dental clinic often ask us! After all, a white smile is an aesthetic attribute that almost everyone strives for. So, when your teeth look yellowed, it's normal to ask yourself this question. We'll try to answer it in what follows.
Tartar: a yellowish deposit
Tartar forms when dental plaque calcifies. Dental plaque is a biofilm composed of saliva, bacteria and food residues. When plaque comes into contact with the minerals in saliva, it calcifies and turns into tartar. It's important to remember that tartar is very hard, and its buildup can only be removed by your dental hygienist during an in-clinic cleaning. Since tartar is yellowish in color, its buildup on the tooth surface and below the gum line can make your smile appear more yellow.
Some people are more at risk of tartar forming on their teeth, due to the particular composition of their saliva. What's more, poor oral hygiene can lead to tartar buildup, which is when plaque isn't completely removed every day through an effective hygiene routine.
The influence of external factors
It's also worth taking a look at lifestyle habits that can affect the whiteness of the smile. Among these, the first to be singled out is smoking. Tobacco smoke contains numerous chemicals that are not only harmful to the tissues of the mouth, but also lead to staining of the teeth.
Certain foods and beverages can also contribute to the build-up of stains on the surface of the teeth. These include tomato-based products and berries, as well as coffee, tea, red wine and so on. Heavy consumption can impair the whiteness and radiance of the smile.
Enamel wear: a factor that must be taken into account
Enamel is the outer layer of the dentition. Naturally white, enamel is very hard and protects the teeth. However, enamel can be worn away, not least because of heavy contact with acids in the diet. In addition, taking certain medications can lead to structural changes in enamel. When enamel wears away, it exposes the underlying layer of the dentition, known as dentin. The latter is naturally more yellow in color, so more apparent dentin gives teeth a yellowed hue.
Professional teeth whitening for a brighter smile
When yellowing of the smile is linked to stain build-up on the surface of the teeth, this can be remedied with a teeth whitening treatment. In this case, you should choose a professional treatment offered in a clinic and supervised by your dentist. Whatever the technique, a professional treatment can effectively remove stubborn stains from teeth, restoring their lustre, brilliance and whiteness.
It's important to note, however, that a yellowing problem caused by enamel wear cannot be treated by whitening. Treatments cannot reverse the effects on the structure of tooth enamel. The Prisma Dentists team does, however, offer enamel restoration treatments, which can remedy discoloration.
To learn more, talk to your Town of Mount Royal dentist to find out how our team can help you achieve whiter teeth and a smile you'll be happier with!
