Ten causes of yellow teeth

Although not usually a sign that anything is wrong or needs treating, yellowing teeth can affect your confidence in your smile.

Luckily, improving the colour of your teeth can be as easy as making some simple changes to what you eat and drink and making a few tweaks to your dental routine.

Here are the top ten causes of yellowing teeth and how to address them:

1. Genes

Sometimes, simply, yellow teeth runs in the family. If you have a parent with yellow teeth, then chances are you’ll have problems with yellow teeth too.

2. Dentin

If you have thin enamel on your teeth, the dentin underneath can show through. Dentin naturally is a deep yellow to brownish colour and is underneath the enamel. Dentin is normally covered by a thick layer of white enamel but stains can develop on the enamel too.

3. Aging

Unfortunately, as we age, our teeth normally start to turn yellow, when the enamel starts to wear away from years of chewing and exposure to acids from food and drink. As the enamel thins with age, yellow can develop if the dentin starts to show through but it is not uncommon for teeth to develop a greyish tinge too if they are mixed with a long-lasting food stain.

4. Smoking

It is very well-known now that smoking is very detrimental to our overall health and just about every part of the body. The mouth is no exception. Among other more serious complications, cosmetically alone, nicotine products can leave a long-lasting yellow or brown stain on your teeth.

5. Foods

Everyday food can be notoriously bad for staining teeth! Tomato sauces, curries and berries can all stain the enamel. We can’t avoid these foods (life is too short!) but if you are aware of them, you can brush your teeth after eating them or rinse your mouth with water.

6. Drinks

Two of the country’s favourite hot drinks are very guilty of staining teeth – tea and coffee. Other culprits are wines, fizzy drinks and other soft drinks with artificial flavours. Always rinse after enjoying them.

7. Antibiotics

Some antibiotics can stain teeth when they’re developing in the gums. If you took certain antibiotics as a child or if your mother took them when pregnant, this could be responsible for a yellow hue.

8. Fluoride

Fluoride is very good for teeth, but too much fluoride can cause yellow or brownish yellow spots on teeth. Ensure you only consume the recommended amount of fluoride.

9. Accidents

Any physical impact to teeth in an accident can crack tooth enamel and potentially even damage the tooth’s interior. If you notice any discolouration after impact or trauma to your teeth, seek advice from your dentist.

10. Tooth grinding

Tooth grinding is on the rise, what with the stressful lives most people have today. It is a completely unconscious habit that can get worse when people are particularly stressed, especially whilst sleeping. Over time, grinding can be harmful to tooth enamel, potentially weakening it to the point of cracking and yellowing. If you think that you may be grinding your teeth, speak to your dentist.

Dental floss or dental tape?

We all know that flossing is a crucial oral health habit. We often have good intentions to do but it so often gets missed when life gets busy. Luckily, there are many different products available to assist with flossing so it is good to try out a few different products until you find something that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine.

Usually, your dentist or dental hygienist will recommend dental tape or floss, but you will likely need to try them both and see which you prefer.

Floss or tape?

Both dental tape and dental floss are devices designed to clean the hard-to-reach surfaces between teeth that your brush just cannot get to. Dental floss is a thin strand, whereas dental tape is broader and flatter.

You must choose the right product for you and the one which is the most effective at cleaning between your teeth and which you find easiest to use. If your teeth are tightly pressed together with little room between, you might find dental tape easier to use. Depending on your dexterity and your mouth, it can sometimes be tricky to handle thin strands of floss, in which case tape might be easier for you to use.

How to use dental floss or tape

The advice for flossing is the same, whether you choose dental tape or floss:

1. Tear off a suitable strand of tape or floss; people tend to struggle because they tear off too little.
2. Wind one end of the tape around one of your middle fingers. Do the same with the other end of the tape on your other hand.
3. To keep control of the tape or floss and be able to manoeuvre it effectively, pinch the string on each hand with your pointer finger and thumb.
4. Slowly and gently insert the tape or floss into the space between two of your teeth.
5. Using a back-and-forth motion, gently move the floss or tape up the tooth until it comes out from between the teeth.
6. Unwind a new section of floss or tape from one hand and wind it up on the other hand so that you have a clean section to work with.
7. Repeat the motion on the space between your next two teeth and work logically and systematically around your mouth in this way.

As you can see, the method of flossing is far more important than which product you use. Flossing removes plaque from between the teeth, and if this isn’t done regularly, it can turn into a hard substance called tartar that only dental professionals can remove. If this happens, your gums can also swell and bleed.

Alternatives to dental floss and tape

If you try both tape and floss and find them difficult to use, there are other products available.

It is important to floss once a day to maintain good oral health and not just give up. If you struggle to find a flossing product that works for you, don’t hesitate in speaking to your dentist or dental hygienist.

Four dental tips for your holidays

Okay, so you’re not going on holiday this year. You’re staying at home because of COVID. That’s okay. Don’t cry. Most people are in the same boat. Or they would be if boats weren’t cancelled due to COVID.

But honestly, there’s no need to go on holiday, really, is there? It’s only been, what, three lockdowns so far? 213 days of lockdown in total? What’s a few more days at home at this point? Or months? Or years?

Okay, so there’s another option. You don’t have to stay at home. You can go on holiday somewhere in the UK! You don’t even need to get on a plane for that. You just need to drive for a couple of hours. Simple and it means you don’t need to quarantine yourself for ten days afterwards.

That’s why, according to the news, most people this year are choosing to stay in the UK for their holiday.

If you are going on holiday this year, then don’t forget to look after your teeth. What? You thought we’d write about travel destinations or something? Sorry, but this is a dentist blog.

People often overlook their teeth before a holiday. It’s easy to take care of your teeth when you’re at home because you get into a routine. But things become more difficult on a holiday: travelling disrupts your routine and you might end up neglecting them.

That’s why we’re here with some tips to keep your teeth in good health during your holiday. If you’re going on one, that is.

Tip 1: Get a dental check-up before you go

If you’re due for routine a check-up, then it’s a good idea to get it done now, before you go away. This way, the dentist can fix any problems that might have otherwise ruined your trip. That only includes problems with your teeth though, mind you. The dentist can’t magically make your kids behave.

Tip 2: Be mindful of sugar

We tend to change our eating habits on holiday and indulge. This includes more sugary foods, such as cake, ice cream, ice lollies and sweets.

It’s okay to let loose on holiday and enjoy yourself. If you can’t eat treats on holiday, then when can you?

But it’s still a good idea to keep an eye on how much sugar you’re eating. Ideally, try to limit sugar to meals and stick to sugar-free options when you can.

Tip 3: Brush your teeth twice a day

Even though you’re on holiday, you should still brush your teeth twice a day. When sugar is left on your teeth, it can start to cause cavities, and brushing your teeth is the best way to prevent this.

Tip 4: Don’t forget your toothbrush

The toothbrush is the one thing people always forget when they go on holiday, or at least that’s if the saying “don’t forget your toothbrush” is to be believed. So remember to take your toothbrush, as well as toothpaste and floss for that matter.

Finally, whatever you’re doing this year, have fun and stay safe! And of course, don’t forget your toothbrush.

How to clean and store a night guard

If you grind your teeth at night, you’ll probably need a nightguard.

A nightguard is a device that fits over your teeth and protects them during the night. If you grind your teeth in the night, the nightguard will prevent any damage, such as premature wear, sensitivity and fractures. In this way, they can save you from costly dental work in the future.

But how do you take care of a nightguard? The good news is that it’s not hard. All you need to do is clean it properly every day. In this post, we’ll tell you how to clean a nightguard.

How to clean a nightguard

Cleaning a nightguard is very simple and shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes.

First, give the mouth guard a quick rinse. This will remove any debris or loose plaque.

Then, brush the nightguard with a toothbrush as if you’re brushing your teeth. It’s easy! Note that you shouldn’t use toothpaste however as toothpaste is abrasive and can damage the night guard.

Once you’re done, leave the night guard out to dry for 15-30 minutes. This is important because bacteria could grow on the mouth guard otherwise.

And there you go: one freshly-cleaned nightguard!

Deep clean

At least once a month, you should give your night guard a deep clean. There are two ways to do this.

The first way is to use a denture-cleaning tablet. Even though these tablets are designed for cleaning dentures, they work great for cleaning night guards too.

To use a denture-cleaning tablet, drop one tablet into warm water. Then, put the night guard in the water – there should be enough water to cover the night guard. The solution will change colour as it cleans. After five minutes, remove the night guard and rinse it thoroughly. There’s no need to do this every day though – just once a month will do.

The second way to deep clean a night guard is with a mixture of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide.
First, soak the night guard in distilled white vinegar for 30 minutes. Then, soak the night guard in hydrogen peroxide for 30 more minutes. Once finished, rinse with night guard with water and allow it to dry completely.

How to store a nightguard

We’ve covered cleaning a nightguard, but how do you store it once it’s clean?

The best way to store it is in a plastic container. This will protect the guard from dust and bacteria.

Do remember to clean the glass or container regularly, as it can become contaminated with germs over time. Also, remember that the mouth guard should be dry before you store it in a container.

Some people say to keep your night guard in mouthwash, but this is a bad idea because the alcohol in mouthwash can drastically shorten the lifespan of your appliance.

Also, take care not to expose your nightguard to high temperatures – don’t leave it on a radiator for example or in direct sunlight. Heat can change the shape of your nightguard and it might no longer fit properly.

Conclusion

Taking care of a nightguard isn’t difficult – just brush it every day with a toothbrush, leave it to dry and then store it in its container.

If you need more advice, then don’t hesitate to make an appointment with one of our dentists!

What are dental abscesses?

Dental abscesses are a build-up of pus in the gums, jaw, or a tooth. They cause a lot of pain if left untreated.

This post will discuss what dental abscesses are, where they come from, their effects on your body and how to treat them.

What is an abscess?

Pus is a white, smelly liquid that your body makes when it’s fighting an infection.

It’s made up of dead bacteria, white blood cells, and dead tissue.

When pus builds up in your gum, jaw, or teeth, it’s known as a dental abscess.

But an abscess can appear anywhere in the body, not just your mouth. Some other types of abscess are:

• skin abscess
• brain abscess
• abdominal abscess
• subcutaneous abscess

What causes dental abscesses?

Your body and mouth consist of two bacteria: good bacteria and bad bacteria.

When the bad bacteria overwhelm the good bacteria, it causes an infection. The infection can lead to an abscess (a build-up of dead cells).

Infection can happen when you have a decayed or injured tooth or when you haven’t been brushing your teeth properly.

Symptoms of dental abscesses

Knowing the symptoms a dental abscess will help you to tell if you really have an abscess or if it’s a different dental problem. The main symptoms of dental abscesses are:

• Intense throbbing pain in the affected tooth or gum
• Pain in your ear, jaw, and neck on the same side as the affected tooth
• Bad breath
• A swollen cheek
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Swollen, red gums
• Fever

How to treat an abscess

If you believe you have an abscess, then you should see your dentist as soon as possible. It’s important to get help as soon as possible, as abscesses do not go away on their own. If left untreated, the infection could spread to your other teeth and make your situation worse.

If you’re in pain, you can take ibuprofen or paracetamol to relieve the pain in the meantime, or even visit the nearest hospital to get treated. However, generally, it’s best to visit a dental clinic because only dental professionals can give you the best care.

How to relieve pain from a dental abscess

While you’re waiting to see a dentist, there are some things you can do to relieve the pain.

• Take a painkiller like Ibuprofen or paracetamol
• Avoid hot or cold food and drinks
• Eat cool, soft foods using the opposite side of your mouth
• Use a soft toothbrush to clean your teeth instead of a hard one
• Avoid flossing around the affected tooth

How to prevent abscesses in the first place

They say the prevention is better than cure, and that’s definitely true for abscesses. Preventing abscesses is easy: you just have to take care of your teeth. You can do this by:

• Brushing twice daily
• Reducing your sugar intake
• Using a toothpaste that contains the right amount of fluoride
• Visiting your dentist for regular check-ups

If you’d like to see a dentist about an abscess or any other problem, then give us a call. We’ll be happy to see you and to check your teeth.

Frequently asked questions about gum disease

Most people suffer from gum disease at some point in their lives. It’s a very common problem in the UK.

This disease can cause unwanted symptoms such as bleeding gums and bad breath.

We get lots of questions about gum disease from our patients, so in this post, we’re going to be answering these questions.

What causes gum disease?

Most times, gum disease is caused by plaque on your teeth. Plaque contains bacteria that irritate your gums and makes them red, sore, and swollen.

What are the stages of gum disease?

There are four stages of gum disease.

1. Gingivitis: This is the early stage of gum disease. You might notice that your gums bleed when you brush your teeth. You may also have bad breath.
2. Periodontitis: If gingivitis is untreated, then periodontitis can occur. This affects the tissues that support the teeth and hold them in place.
3. Bone damage: If periodontitis is untreated, it can damage your jawbone and create small spaces between the gum and teeth.
4. Tooth loss: Eventually your teeth can become loose and may fall out.

How do I know if I have gum disease?

Look out for these symptoms:

• bleeding after brushing
• red, sore or swollen gums
• bad breath

When you notice any of these symptoms, you should see your dentist immediately. If left untreated, your gum disease might result in a severe condition known as periodontitis; a condition that damages your bone and tissue and makes your teeth start falling out.

What should I do if I have signs of gum disease?

If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should visit your dentist. The dentist will check and confirm if you have gum disease.

If you do have gum disease, then your dentist will tell you how to treat it.

How do I treat gum disease?

Gum disease can be treated either by you or your dentist, depending on how severe the condition is.

For mild gum disease, you can either remove the plaque yourself by brushing and flossing the affected area.

For severe gum disease, you should visit your dentist for treatment. You cannot treat it yourself.

It is crucial to see your dentist regularly for check-ups. The dentist can spot gum disease early on and get rid of it before it causes more harm.

How can I prevent gum disease?

Prevention is always better than cure, and that’s definitely true for gum disease: it’s easier to prevent gum disease than to treat it.

In fact, preventing gum disease is very easy: all you have to do to is to clean your teeth and gums often. Ideally, you should brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day.

As mentioned earlier, you should also visit your dentist regularly. Your dentist can spot gum disease early and treat it before it becomes severe.

Usually, one or two check-ups a year should be enough. But if you’re prone to getting gum disease, then you should see your dentist every three to six months.