The old saying is true: you only one chance to make a first impression. Unfortunately, in today’s society many of those first impressions are solely based on our appearance.
When we first meet someone, we instinctively smile to create a positive first impression. When our teeth are bright, clean, and white, we smile with added confidence, helping to create the best image possible.
But what if your teeth have yellowed? What kind of first impression will your smile create? Will people judge you for it?
First Impression or First Judgment?
It’s hard to determine how any one person would judge someone with yellow teeth. Some people might judge you, some might not, and others may not even notice!
The question is whether you want to risk it.
In important social and businesses interactions where positive first impressions are key, yellow teeth might be a detriment to both short and long-term success.
If your smile is dulled, people might come to conclusions that have no basis in fact, but could still stick in their minds. These include:
- You’re a smoker
- You drink too much coffee or wine
- You consume food and drinks high in sugar or acid
- Your health is poor
- You’re lacking in self-confidence
- You have poor hygiene
That isn’t to say that any of the above is true. On the contrary, none of these factors may apply to you.But people might still see your yellow teeth, and draw their own conclusion.
As a result, yellow teeth may give people a negative impression of you at not only job interviews or first dates, but also at your current workplace, business networking events, and social gatherings.
Over time, your biggest judge might be yourself. Your yellow teeth could cause you to smile less, withdraw from social activities, and stop you from seeking out fulfilling relationships and experiences.
But why are your teeth yellowing in the first place?
What Causes Teeth to Turn Yellow?
Although your teeth may be clean, and you follow a regular brushing and flossing routine, your smile might still have yellowed for any number of reasons. These usually fall into one of two categories:
- Extrinsic Discoloration: Occurring in the tooth enamel, these stains range from yellow tints to brown spots
- Intrinsic Discoloration: This occurs when the dentin, the layer directly underneath the enamel,darkens or displays a yellowish tint
Some of the factors that can cause teeth to yellow are:
- Food and Drink: Certain foods such as cherries and blueberries, as well as drinks including coffee/tea, sports drinks, and wines can cause extrinsic tooth stains
- Smoking: One of the many side effects of smoking is discolouration of teeth
- Disease: Certain diseases that affect tooth enamel and dentin can discolour your teeth
- Medication: Antihistamines, antidepressants, and high blood pressure medications have been known to discolour teeth
- Genetics: Yellow teeth may be a simple cases of genetics, if thinner enamel is part of your genetic make up
- Aging: Enamel wears away over the years, causing the dentin to be more visible underneath
- Injury: A fall or trauma that damages the nerves or cracks your teeth can cause them to discolour
- Poor Dental Hygiene: Not brushing or flossing on a regular basis to remove plaque and stain-causing substances can lead to a dull smile, as well as other dental issues
- Aggressive Brushing: Wearing the enamel away through aggressive brushing may reveal the dentin underneath, leading to a dull smile
Although the causes of yellow teeth are numerous, there are treatment options available that can help your teeth regain their beautiful glow.
Mellow that Yellow!
Your dentist can help you effectively combat yellow teeth with safe, proven methods geared towards helping you brighten your smile:
- Bleaching Agents: Professional-grade bleaching agents, administered by your dentist, can help remove stubborn stains caused by extrinsic discolouration
- Veneers: In severe cases, or for duller teeth caused by intrinsic discolouration, your dentist may recommend applying a thin porcelain shell, known as veneers, over your teeth
White Teeth for Life
The best ways to maintain a healthy white smile for life is to visit the dentist regularly, avoid bad habits that can discolour your teeth, and brush and floss your teeth regularly.
After all, a brighter smile leads to better health, positive relationships, and increased happiness. Don’t let yellow or brown get you down…brighten your smile today!
Does the colour of your teeth concern you? Contact our Smile Team to schedule a visit? We’ll do our best to give you a bright, confident smile you’ll be proud to share with everyone!
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If you are looking for a friendlyandknowledgeable dentist that is located right in the financial district at Yonge & King, give us shout! 416-368-8000 http://www.yoursmile.com/contact
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