Actress Connie Stevens once said that “Nothing you wear is more important than your smile.” It’s a quote that is also backed by statistics. Almost half of the adults in America believe that a person’s most memorable feature is their smile.
There are also many science-backed benefits of smiling. But if you believe you have discolored or yellow teeth, this simple act may be easier said than done. The good news is that teeth discoloration doesn’t have to be permanent.
There are many options available if you’re trying to brighten your smile. But how do you know if you need to whiten your teeth? Read on to learn some of the signs that may indicate teeth whitening is an alternative you should consider.
If you fall into any of the categories below, you may want to look into teeth whitening treatment:
1. You See Discoloration on Your Teeth
You probably look in the mirror every day while getting ready. It’s one of the times you won’t be able to help but notice your teeth, especially while brushing them every day.
You may not have anyone or anything to compare them to. But sometimes variations in your tooth color can be very noticeable. Yellow teeth are a key indicator of discoloration. It’s also a sign that it may be time to consider teeth whitening.
2. You’re Over 35 Years Old
Age may just be a number. But every year that number increases your body changes. Your teeth are no exception.
Just as your lifestyle may take a toll on other parts of your body, it can do the same for your teeth. This includes the foods you eat, the environment your live in, or other habits you may have. The color of your teeth is also affected by how well and how often you brush them.
However, even meticulous brushing doesn’t always prevent yellowing over the years. Discoloration is something that occurs as your teeth age along with the rest of your body.
There are many activities you can do to counteract the aging process. You can also consider teeth whitening to reduce the effects of aging teeth.
3. You Have Difficulty Maintaining Your Dental Health
Your daily habits and the hectic pace of your life may affect your ability to take good care of your teeth. Teeth whitening treatment may help. It can assist in keeping your dental hygiene in check.
Many dentists recommend that you whiten your teeth once every quarter. This provides a great opportunity for you to get a dental check-up as well.
This will ensure that you catch any issues with your teeth or gums early. You can then have the necessary procedures to resolve them. Regular check-ups and teeth whitening treatments can ensure your teeth look great and are healthy as well.
4. You’re a Smoker
If you’re a smoker, the nicotine and tar present in cigarettes can affect your tooth color. Cigarettes can also have a lot of other adverse effects on your oral health. These include:
- Tooth loss due to the development of gum disease
- Bad breath
- A build-up of tartar and plaque on your teeth
- Inflammation of salivary glands on the roof of your mouth
- Loss of bone within the jaw
- Delayed healing of dental procedures such as tooth extractions
- Greater risk of developing oral cancer
If you find it difficult to kick the habit, you may want to consider tooth whitening. This can reduce the effects of nicotine and tar.
5. You Drink Wine And/or Coffee Daily
Recent studies found that drinking wine daily can benefit your health. Ideally, the daily intake for women should be one glass, while the daily intake for men is two. Similarly, coffee, in moderation, can help prevent heart disease and Alzheimer’s.
Unfortunately, despite these health benefits, coffee and red wine could be responsible for staining your teeth. Some others include:
- Tea
- Soy sauce
- Cola drinks
- Balsamic vinegar
- Fruit juices
- Curry
If these are some of your favorites, or you consume them frequently, don’t panic. Teeth whitening treatment can help you manage discoloration.
6. Discolored Teeth Seem to Be a Family Trait
Unfortunately, your consumption habits may not be to blame for your yellow teeth. However, your genes may be. If you seem to remember always having yellow teeth, it could be because it’s a family trait.
The color of your teeth, eyes, and hair, are all inherited. When it comes to your teeth, this includes all the variations in their color throughout your life. Your family members may all start with teeth that are a natural, off-white, or ivory colored. However, as time progresses, they become yellow.
You can change the color of your hair with dye or your eyes by using colored contacts. You can also do the same for your teeth. You can even be proactive and start whitening before the yellowing starts.
7. You’re Self-Conscious About Your Smile
Many people have a go-to outfit they wear when they have an important meeting or need a boost on a particular day. You know what makes you feel good. You also know when you don’t feel confident enough to give a winning smile.
If your smile leaves people with a good impression, you should be able to use it with confidence. However, yellow teeth may have the opposite effect.
Have a job interview or your eyes set on a promotion but you’re not happy about your smile? Teeth whitening might give you the boost of confidence you need.
Whiten Your Teeth to Make a Good First Impression
Whether you may agree with it or not, the reality is that you live in an era where appearances count. A few minutes on a social media platform confirms this. However, it should not always be about how you look, but about how you feel inside.
A smile not only brightens someone else’s day but can make you feel good about yourself. You should never let discolored or yellow teeth prevent you from smiling, especially when there’s a simple solution.
When you whiten your teeth, you’ll feel more confident about your smile. It can also help you maintain good oral health. Choose a dental practice that can help you make a good first impression.
The practitioners at Katy Gentle Dentists have years of experience and are up-to-date on the latest technology and dental products. We are committed to your total health, not just your teeth. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!