White teeth are a highly desirable feature that everyone wants to improve their looks. While teeth start out white when they erupt in the mouth, they can gradually start to turn yellow over time. This discolouration process takes years, and it is caused by a variety of factors. Yellow teeth generally are not a sign of a serious medical problem, but it is still hard to feel fully confident about your smile when they are discoloured. These are the seven most common causes of yellow teeth and how to avoid them.

Teeth Grinding
Enamel is the hard outer layer of the tooth that protects it from decaying. While tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, it can start to thin out over the years. One of the most common reasons for thin enamel is grinding the teeth. Once the enamel starts to disappear, the tooth's dentin will be exposed. This dark yellow layer of the tooth provides structure and protects the nerves. The best way to avoid grinding teeth is by visiting us at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa to get a custom mouth guard to wear at night.

Drinking Dark Liquids
There is a good chance that your favorite beverages are causing your teeth to turn yellow. Red wine, coffee and tea all contain a substance called tannins. This natural substance is so strong that is often used in the production of ink, so it is easy to see how it can quickly stain your teeth. Since beverages coat the entire mouth, the tannins can stay on your teeth long after you have finished your drink. The best way to prevent discolouration is by rinsing your mouth out with water after finishing your dark beverage. Brushing immediately after you are done drinking can damage the teeth.

Eating Sugary Foods
Sugar is absolutely one of the worst things you can put in your body. In addition to being a highly-addictive substance that ruins your health, sugar also completely destroys your teeth. Sugar causes a breeding ground of bacteria when it gets trapped in the mouth. This bacteria discolours and rots the teeth over time. Since sugar is so dangerous, it is best to completely avoid sugary foods and drinks. If this cannot be done, then brush your teeth one hour after consuming large amounts of sugar.

Smoking
Smoking is a terrible habit that can absolutely ruin your health. In addition to destroying your lungs and heart, smoking will also lead to yellow teeth. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes damage the teeth when you inhale. This damage eventually leads to yellow or dark brown teeth over time. Getting whitening treatments at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa can help hide the problem, but it is best to just give up the cigarettes to improve your oral health and overall health.

Taking Certain Medication
The medicine you take on a daily basis to improve your health may be damaging your teeth. Several different antibiotics are known to cause teeth discolouration. You may also notice your teeth turning yellow after taking certain antihistamines or blood pressure medications for a long period of time. Since these medications help you live a better life, it is hard to avoid the unwanted side effect of yellow teeth.

Poor Dental Hygiene
The most obvious and common reason for yellow teeth is poor dental hygiene. The teeth need to be properly cleaned at least twice a day to avoid dangerous plaque buildup. Once plaque start to accumulate on the teeth, it will not take very long for them to start turning yellow. The best way to avoid plaque buildup is by brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash on a regular basis. If you have a serious case of plaque buildup, then you will need to visit the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa to get your teeth professionally cleaned.

Aging and Genetics
Unfortunately, teeth just naturally start to turn more yellow as you get older. This is caused by the loss of enamel, which gives the teeth a yellow tint as the dentin becomes more exposed. For some individuals it is just their genes. Some people are born with thinner enamel than others. This makes it much harder to keep your teeth pearly white, but regularly using whitening products can help slow down the yellowing process.

If you are unhappy with your discoloured teeth, visit us at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa for a professional laser teeth whitening treatment. In addition, we also offer take home teeth whitening to allow you to maintain that pearly white smile. Contact us today to schedule a teeth whitening or dental check-up appointment.