How to Get Rid of Yellow Teeth


Written By: Ehsan Jahandarpour

Yellow teeth can be a cause of embarrassment and can affect a person’s self-esteem. In this article, we will discuss How to Get Rid of Yellow Teeth, the causes of teeth spots, and provide tips on how to prevent and get rid of yellow teeth, both at home and through professional treatments. There are several reasons why teeth may become yellow, such as aging, genetics, poor oral hygiene, and the consumption of certain foods and drinks.

How to Get Rid of Yellow Teeth?

Yellow teeth can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor oral hygiene, consumption of staining foods and drinks, and smoking. Follow a good oral hygiene routine for getting yellow teeth, avoid or limit the consumption of staining foods and drinks, and visit the dentist regularly for professional cleanings. At-home remedies and professional treatments, such as in-office teeth whitening solutions or take-home whitening kits, may also be effective in whitening the teeth.

Causes of Discolored Teeth:

cause of yellow teeth
cause of yellow teeth

Aging: As we age, the outer layer of our teeth, called the enamel, can become thinner and more transparent, allowing the yellow color of the dentin (the layer underneath the enamel) to show through. This natural process can cause teeth to appear yellow over time.

Genetics: Some people are naturally more prone to yellow teeth due to their genetics. The thickness and transparency of the enamel, as well as the color of the dentin, can be inherited traits.

Poor oral hygiene: Poor oral hygiene is one of the most common causes of yellow teeth. When we don’t brush and floss regularly, bacteria can build up on the surface of the teeth and form a sticky film called plaque. Plaque can harden into tartar, which is difficult to remove and can cause yellowing of the teeth.

Consumption of certain foods and drinks: Certain foods and drinks can stain the enamel of the teeth, causing them to appear yellow. Examples include coffee, tea, red wine, and highly pigmented fruits and vegetables such as blueberries and beets.

Smoking or using tobacco products: Smoking and using tobacco products can stain the teeth and cause them to appear yellow. The tar and other chemicals in tobacco smoke can adhere to the surface of the teeth, causing discoloration.

Certain medications: Certain medications, such as tetracycline, can cause yellowing of the teeth when taken by children during the period of tooth development. This type of yellowing is typically permanent and cannot be reversed through whitening treatments.

Trauma: Trauma to the teeth, such as a fracture or injury, can cause yellowing or discoloration.

How to prevent yellow teeth?

How to Get Rid of Yellow Teeth
How to Get Rid of Yellow Teeth

To prevent yellow teeth, it is important to follow a good oral hygiene routine and avoid or limit consumption of staining foods and drinks. Some tips on how to get rid of yellow teeth and for maintaining white teeth include:

  • Brushing and flossing regularly: Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth.
  • Using a mouthwash: Mouthwashes can help to kill bacteria and freshen breath. Look for a mouthwash that contains fluoride to help prevent cavities.
  • Avoiding or limiting consumption of staining foods and drinks: Try to limit your intake of coffee, tea, red wine, and highly pigmented foods and drinks. If you do consume these products, rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth afterward to remove any residual staining agents.
  • Quitting smoking or using tobacco products: Smoking and using tobacco products can significantly increase the risk of yellow teeth. If you smoke or use tobacco products, consider quitting to improve the health and appearance of your teeth.
  • Visiting the dentist regularly for professional cleanings: Seeing a dentist regularly for professional cleanings can help to remove plaque and tartar that can cause yellowing of the teeth. The dentist can also identify any issues with your oral hygiene routine and offer recommendations for improvement.

At-home remedies to Whiten your Yellow Crowns:

apple cider vinegar for yellow teeth
apple cider vinegar for yellow teeth

There are several at-home remedies that may help to remove surface stains and whiten teeth. These remedies include:

  • Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste: Mix together equal parts baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to form a paste. Wet a toothbrush and dip it into the paste, then brush your teeth as you would with regular toothpaste. Rinse with water and repeat once or twice a week.
  • Coconut oil pulling: Place a spoonful of coconut oil in your mouth and swish it around for 15-20 minutes. Spit the oil out and rinse your mouth with water. Repeat once or twice a week.
  • Charcoal toothpaste: Activated charcoal is believed to have teeth whitening properties. You can purchase toothpaste that contains charcoal or make your own by mixing activated charcoal with your regular toothpaste.
  • Lemon or orange peel: Rub the inner white part of a lemon or orange peel on your teeth for a natural whitening effect. Rinse with water afterward.
  • Apple cider vinegar: Rinse your mouth with a mixture of equal parts water and apple cider vinegar once or twice a week. Rinse with water afterward.
  • Banana peel: Rub the inside of a banana peel on your teeth for a few minutes, then brush your teeth as usual. Repeat once or twice a week.

It’s important to note that these remedies may not work for everyone and may not be as effective as professional treatments. In addition, some remedies, such as lemon or orange peel and apple cider vinegar, can be abrasive and may damage the enamel if used too frequently.

Professional treatments for Stained teeth:

led teeth whitening
led teeth whitening for stained teeth

If at-home remedies are not effective or you are looking for a more dramatic change in the color of your teeth, there are several professional treatments available. These treatments include:

  • In-office teeth whitening: In-office teeth whitening options are performed by a dental professional. It typically involves the application of a bleaching agent to the teeth, followed by the use of a special light or laser to activate the bleaching agent. In-office teeth-whitening can produce fast and dramatic results, but it can also be more expensive than other treatment options.
  • Take-home whitening kits: Take-home whitening kits are available from dental professionals and can be used to whiten teeth in the comfort of your own home. These kits typically include a bleaching agent and custom-fitted trays that hold the bleaching agent against the teeth. The trays are worn for a certain amount of time each day, and the treatment is typically completed over the course of several weeks.
  • Porcelain veneers: Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front of the teeth. Just like pop-on veneers products, they can be used to cover up yellow teeth and give the appearance of white teeth. Porcelain veneers are a more expensive and permanent option, as they require the removal of a small amount of tooth enamel.

Dental hygiene products for yellow teeth:

There are a variety of dental hygiene products available that are specifically designed to whiten teeth. These products can be effective in removing surface stains and brightening the overall appearance of the teeth. Some examples include:

Listerine bad breath mouthwash
Listerine whitening mouthwash
  1. Whitening toothpaste: Whitening toothpaste contains abrasives and chemicals that can help to remove surface stains and brighten the teeth. Look for a toothpaste that is approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) and contains fluoride to help prevent cavities.
  2. Whitening mouthwash: Whitening mouthwashes contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which can help to bleach the teeth and remove surface stains. Some mouthwashes also contain fluoride to help prevent cavities.
  3. Whitening floss: Whitening floss is coated with a bleaching agent that can help to remove surface stains between the teeth. It is important to use regular floss in addition to whitening floss to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth.

It’s important to note that these products may not be as effective as professional treatments and may not work for everyone. In addition, some people may experience sensitivity or irritation when using whitening products.

Make a difference with a healthy diet for teeth:

how to maintain white teeth
how to maintain white teeth

A healthy diet can play a role in maintaining the health and appearance of teeth. Foods and drinks that are high in sugar and acid can contribute to tooth decay and staining of the teeth. To maintain healthy teeth, it is important to consume a diet that is rich in nutrients and low in sugar and acid.

Some foods and drinks that are good for teeth include:

  • Water: Water helps to wash away food particles and bacteria from the teeth and can help to prevent dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay.
  • Milk: Milk contains calcium, which is important for strong teeth and bones.
  • Fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber and water, which can help to clean the teeth and stimulate saliva production.
  • Green and black teas: Green and black teas contain polyphenols, which can help to kill bacteria and prevent tooth decay.

On the other hand, it is important to limit or avoid the consumption of sugary drinks and snacks, such as soda, sports drinks, and sticky candies. These types of foods and drinks can contribute to tooth decay and staining of the teeth.

How do Dentists whiten teeth?

The dental professional plays an important role in diagnosing the cause of yellow teeth and providing treatment recommendations. If the yellowing is due to a medical condition, such as medication use or a genetic disorder, the dental professional can provide guidance on how to manage the condition and its impact on the teeth.

If the yellowing is due to poor oral hygiene or the consumption of staining foods and drinks, the dental professional can provide recommendations on how to improve oral hygiene and make lifestyle changes to prevent further yellowing.

In cases where at-home remedies and over-the-counter products are not effective in whitening the teeth, the dental professional can provide information on professional treatment options, such as in-office teeth whitening or porcelain veneers.

It is important to see a dental professional for yellow teeth if:

  1. At-home remedies and over-the-counter products are not effective in whitening the teeth
  2. The yellowing is due to a medical condition
  3. The yellowing is accompanied by other symptoms, such as tooth pain or sensitivity

Health side effects of yellow teeth whitening:

sensitive yellow teeth
sensitive yellow teeth

Teeth whitening treatments, both at-home and professional, can have potential risks and side effects. It is important to be aware of these risks and to speak with a dental professional about the potential risks and side effects of the treatment options you are considering.

Some potential risks and side effects of teeth whitening include:

  • Sensitivity: Whitening treatments can cause sensitivity of the teeth and gums, particularly if the treatment is not used according to the instructions. Sensitivity can occur when the bleaching agents used in the treatment come into contact with the nerves inside the teeth.
  • Irritation: Some people may experience irritation of the gums or mouth when using whitening products. This can be caused by the bleaching agents in the products or by the use of ill-fitting trays or strips.
  • Uneven whitening: Teeth whitening treatments may not produce an even result, particularly if the yellowing is due to a medical condition or is concentrated in a specific area of the mouth. In these cases, the dental professional may recommend additional treatment or a different treatment option to achieve a more even result.

It is important to speak with a cosmetic dentist, or DDS dental professional about the potential risks and side effects of the treatment options you are considering and to follow the instructions for use carefully to minimize the risk of these side effects.

Can yellow teeth be reversed?

In some cases, yellow teeth can be reversed through proper oral hygiene and the use of teeth whitening treatments. However, the effectiveness of these treatments will depend on the cause of the yellowing and the severity of the discoloration. In some cases, yellow teeth may be due to a medical condition or genetics and may not respond to whitening treatments.

Can yellow teeth be prevented?

Yellow teeth can often be prevented by following a good oral hygiene routine, limiting the consumption of staining foods and drinks, and quitting smoking or using tobacco products. These steps can help to prevent plaque and tartar build-up, which can cause yellowing of the teeth.

Are all teeth whitening treatments safe?

Not all teeth whitening treatments are safe. It is important to speak with a dental professional before using any teeth whitening treatment, as some treatments may not be appropriate for certain individuals or may cause sensitivity or irritation. In addition, it is important to follow the instructions for use carefully to minimize the risk of side effects.

Can yellow teeth be a sign of a dental or medical issue?

Yellow teeth can be a sign of a dental or medical issue in some cases. Yellowing of the teeth can be caused by poor oral hygiene, the consumption of staining foods and drinks, and smoking or using tobacco products. However, yellow teeth can also be a sign of more serious dental or medical issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or a genetic disorder.

Is it necessary to visit a dentist for yellow teeth?

It is generally a good idea to visit a dentist for yellow teeth to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. A dentist can help to determine the cause of the yellowing and recommend appropriate treatment options. In addition, a dentist can perform professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar that can cause yellowing of the teeth.

Can yellow teeth be an inherited trait?

Yellow teeth can be an inherited trait in some cases. The color of our teeth is determined by the thickness and composition of the enamel, as well as the underlying dentin. Some people may have naturally thinner enamel or more yellowish dentin, which can cause their teeth to appear yellow. In these cases, yellow teeth may not respond to whitening treatments and may require alternative treatment options.

Tips for maintaining white teeth and having Pearly whites

To maintain the results of teeth whitening treatments, it is important to follow a good oral hygiene routine and avoid or limit the consumption of staining foods and drinks. By following these tips, you can help to maintain the results of teeth whitening treatments and keep your teeth looking bright and white.

There are several solutions for getting rid of stained teeth, including improving oral hygiene, limiting the consumption of staining foods and drinks, quitting smoking or using tobacco products, using professional teeth whitening treatments, and getting porcelain veneers. It is important to speak with a dental professional to determine the most appropriate solution for your specific needs and to discuss the potential risks and side effects of each option.

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