VWB Blog Brushing your teeth twice a day and using fluoride toothpaste are basic steps in maintaining your oral health. Yet, you can still experience problems with your teeth.
There are some things that happen to your teeth you won’t see when brushing. Once you do see them and are no longer ignorant, it can take you aback. You may think, “How did I end up with crooked teeth, stained teeth, or teeth in disrepair?”
These things that can make your teeth ugly may disrupt your oral health and self-image, but there’s still hope. Read on to learn about some of the often unnoticed causes of ugly teeth.
1. Not Brushing Your Teeth Regularly
If you don’t brush your teeth regularly, the plaque and bacteria on your teeth will start to break down your tooth enamel. This can make your teeth yellow, brown, or even black.
It can also make your teeth more sensitive and prone to cavities.
2. Eating Sugary or Acidic Foods
Acidic and sugary foods can have a negative effect on your teeth, making them more susceptible to cavities and yellowing.
If you consume these types of foods regularly, it is important to brush and floss your teeth well to remove any plaque or food particles that can lead to tooth decay.
In addition, try to eat a balanced diet and limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods to protect your teeth from becoming ugly.
3. Not Flossing
While it’s true that not flossing can make your teeth ugly, it’s more important to focus on the health of your teeth and gums. When you don’t floss, youre more likely to develop gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss.
So, while not flossing may make your teeth look less than perfect, it’s more important to focus on keeping your smile healthy.
4. Smoking
If you smoke, your teeth will eventually become stained and ugly. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes stain teeth, and smoking also causes gum disease. Gum disease makes your gums shrink away from your teeth, which can make your teeth look longer.
If you want to keep your teeth healthy and white, you should quit smoking.
5. Grinding Your Teeth
The enamel on your teeth is there to protect your teeth from everyday wear and tear. When you grind your teeth, you are wearing away at that enamel and making your teeth more susceptible to tooth decay and other problems.
In addition, grinding your teeth can make your teeth look ugly. You may develop chips, cracks, or other damage to your teeth that can make them look stained, yellow, or otherwise less attractive.
If you are concerned about the appearance of your teeth, you should talk to your dentist about ways to protect your teeth like having adult braces.
6. Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard
When you brush your teeth too hard, you can actually make them ugly. The enamel can get worn down, making the teeth look yellow and discolored. You can also damage the gums, making them red and inflamed.
In extreme cases, you can actually wear away the tooth enamel and make the teeth look pitted and uneven. So, be gentle when you brush your teeth, and you’ll keep them looking their best.
7. Drinking Coffee and Tea
If you’re a coffee or tea drinker, you might want to think twice about how often you indulge. While both beverages can offer some health benefits, they can also take a toll on your teeth.
Coffee and tea can both cause stains on your teeth. The darker the beverage, the more likely it is to cause staining. And, if you add sugar or creamer to your coffee or tea, you’re increasing the chances of staining even further.
In addition to staining your teeth, coffee and tea can also make them more likely to develop cavities. The sugar in these beverages can contribute to the development of cavities, and the acids in the drinks can also wear away at your tooth enamel.
8. Lack of Dental Hygiene
If you do not take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly, you are at risk for developing dental problems. Plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
In addition, if you do not brush your teeth, the bacteria in your mouth can cause bad breath. Over time, the lack of dental hygiene can make your teeth yellow and ugly.
9. Not Getting Professional Cleanings
If you don’t get your teeth professionally cleaned at least once a year, you are at risk for developing dental problems. Your teeth can become stained, yellow, or discolored. You may also develop gum disease or other problems.
10. Certain Medications
Certain medications can make your teeth ugly. For example, if you are taking a medication that contains tetracycline, it can permanently discolor your teeth. Other medications can cause your teeth to become yellow, chalky, or even fall out.
If you are concerned about the effects of your medication on your teeth, talk to your dentist or physician.
Teeth Ugly No More
While good dental hygiene habits can help keep your teeth looking their best, there are a number of uneventful things that can make your teeth ugly. If you smoke, drink coffee or tea, or eat certain foods, your teeth can become stained.
If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar can build up, making your teeth look yellow or even brown. If you have gum disease, your teeth may become loose and start to fall out.
So, if you want to keep your teeth looking their best, brush and floss regularly, and see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
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