Have You Heard of Summer Teeth?

Have you ever experienced love at first sight? Sparks fly, eye contact lingers, and you think you’ve met your match. Then the unimaginable happens; they smile and reveal a not-so-shiny surprise: yellow, dull, chalky teeth.

Stained teeth may occur for a plethora of reasons. These are as unique as the person living with them. It essentially depends on each person and their daily lifestyle.

Yellow and orange stains are usually on the tooth’s surface. That is why caring for your teeth on every layer is essential.

Take a bite of this

Urban Dictionary defines ‘Summer Teeth’ as bad or discoloured teeth. It can also include a smile that shows a few missing teeth. The following are the various possible causes for summer teeth:

Coffee
Tobacco
Cannabis
Wine
Beer
Lemon
Enamel wear-and-tear
Curry
Tomatoes
Balsamic Vinegar
Soft drinks

Colourants
Preservatives
Medication
Fluorosis
Bad hygiene
Trauma
Accidents
Tartar build-up

Learn More: Does Smoking Affect Your Teeth?

What are Natural Ways to Brighten Your Smile?

Teeth whitening is expensive in South Africa. An average South African income does not provide for cosmetic dentistry. So, everybody can use household items and make lifestyle changes to improve their dental healthcare. Daily hygiene is king. Here is more of what you can do to smile all year long:

One study found that toothpaste containing baking soda was significantly more effective at removing yellow stains from teeth than standard toothpaste without baking soda. The higher the concentration of baking soda, the greater the effect.
Baking soda has natural whitening properties, which is why it is also an active ingredient in most commercial toothpaste.
Baking soda not only scrubs away the surface of the stains on the teeth but also prevents bacteria from growing in your mouth.

Learn More: Can Turmeric Whiten Your Teeth?

What are the Dangers of Summer Teeth?

Summer teeth make it difficult to smile. Here is how each factor of summer teeth can hold you back from living your best life:

Yellow Teeth

These damage your self-esteem and hamper your confidence. Yellow teeth can cause anti-social behaviour. Yellow teeth can indicate severe tartar build-up. Tartar build-up increases the risk of tooth cavities and infection, that can lead to decay and possible gum disease.

Missing Teeth

Chewing can prove difficult in this case. There is a possibility that you might miss a big piece of food and risk choking when trying to swallow. Teeth are mechanical processors of food and chewing triggers saliva and the chemical responses required by your digestive system to process food. Without teeth, the digestive system would rely heavily on your tongue and fail to start correctly.

Chalky Teeth

Advanced plaque and tartar build-up can cause tooth calcification. It can happen because of trauma, disease, decay or age.

Tartar build-up may be evident when you see:

Discoloured areas on teeth, particularly near the gums or between the teeth
Hard, rough spots on teeth
Gums that are swollen, sore, or bleeding

A person cannot remove tartar or calculus on their own. Tartar is tough, so scratching or tearing it off might cause tooth damage.

Professional cleaning by dentists can eradicate tartar. Regular scaling is a technique used to eliminate plaque and tartar from beneath the gums. Your oral hygienist can perform traditional scaling to prevent tartar from reoccurring.

Learn More: What is the Difference Between Tartar and Plaque?

Undoubtedly, the right person will make you feel like the sun is shining brighter, but a good smile is better.

Good news for coffee lovers

You can still drink coffee and maintain a white, healthy smile. How do you enjoy coffee and avoid stains? Simply put, drink in moderation. Dentists suggest no more than two cups a day. In addition, don’t neglect regular brushing and visits to your local dental office twice a year. Find your nearest Affinity Dental dentist here.

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