Yellow teeth can be unsightly and indicative of poor dental health. The yellowing of your teeth is usually evident because of two types of stains:
- Extrinsic stains. These are present on the outermost surface of the tooth enamel. The outer part of the enamel is fairly easy to stain but yellowing can be easily corrected and removed.
- Intrinsic stains. These are trickier to deal with. They are present on the dentin, or the more inner structure of the tooth. It is ideal to get preventative care to avoid these stains, as their removal is difficult.
Some of the causes of yellow teeth can be controlled, while others are inevitable. There are a variety of culprits, to include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Consuming acidic foods and beverages
- Genetics
- Illnesses, like jaundice, in infancy
- Medications
- Childhood injuries that disrupt the formation of tooth enamel
- Age
If you want a whiter smile that will boost your confidence, enhance your appearance, and help you thrive in social and professional environments, read on! Here, we provide you with some simple things you can try to achieve white teeth that sparkle!
Lifestyle Changes
Some simple changes you can implement on a daily basis will contribute to your smile’s shine!
Adopt a Strict Oral Hygiene Schedule
Teeth naturally discolour as you age, even if you are loyal to a good oral hygiene schedule. Stick with a good routine: brush twice daily and floss daily to diminish the effects of ageing on your teeth’s colour.
Brushing and flossing regular prevents the buildup of plaque and removes bacteria from your mouth, both of which can contribute to the discolouration of your teeth.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Don’t skip the dentist even if you practice good oral hygiene. A visit to the dentist’s office every 6 months allows your smile to stay as white as possible. A dental hygienist uses specialized tools to scrape below your gum line. This targeted cleaning removes stubborn plaque and tartar that is difficult to remove on your own at home. Dental hygienists often end visits with a fine tooth polishing.
Don’t let all of the efforts you put into cleaning your teeth be for nothing. Allow a dental hygienist to take care of your teeth by visiting the dentist bi-annually.
Avoid Certain Foods and Beverages
Certain types of foods and beverages can stain your teeth. Dark-coloured foods that are likely to cause your teeth to yellow include:
- Red wine
- Popsicles
- Chocolate
- Curry sauce
- Spaghetti sauce
- Cola
- Balsamic vinegar
- Soy sauce
Even healthy fruits and vegetables like pomegranates, grapes, beets, cherries, and blueberries can cause discolouration.
These foods can still be consumed, but enjoy them in moderation. Be sure to rinse your mouth afterwards.
Try consuming more food and beverages like:
- Fruits with high fibre: Fibrous fruits like apples increase saliva flow, which keeps your teeth clean. They also work to remove stains by scrubbing your tooth enamel. These fruits still contain sugar, so be sure to brush after eating them.
- Strawberries: Strawberries contain malic acid, which is great for naturally whitening your teeth.
- Water: Replace soda and wine with water! Water allows you to rinse your mouth of acids and sugars, so you can more easily achieve whiter teeth.
- Nuts: Consuming nuts increases saliva production that allows for a cleaner mouth and, consequently, whiter teeth.
At-Home Methods
If you want to be more assertive in achieving a whiter smile, try these at-home methods specifically designed to make your teeth shine!
Brush with Baking Soda
Simply wet your toothbrush, dip it into some baking soda, and gently brush for 2 minutes.
Baking soda is an abrasive chemical compound. This property makes it great for removing stubborn plaque. Baking soda’s alkalinity removes surface-level discolouration. Using baking soda for teeth whitening is an effective and cheap home remedy.
However, be sure to use it no more than once a week, as baking soda can cause permanent damage to your tooth enamel. Excessive use results in increased tooth sensitivity and greater susceptibility to developing cavities.
Oil Pulling
Measure out 1 tablespoon of your chosen oil. Pour it into your mouth and begin pulling it through your teeth for about 15-20 minutes.
Oil pulling is an old and effective remedy for yellow teeth. You can use sesame, sunflower, coconut, or any other type of oil for this method. Rinsing your mouth with oil reduces inflammation and removes bacteria that contribute to yellow teeth.
It’s a safe home remedy that is definitely worth experimenting with. However, this is not intended for daily use.
Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix apple cider vinegar with water to create a diluted mixture. Swish the mixture around in your mouth for 1-2 minutes and rinse with plain water afterwards.
Apple cider vinegar is a natural bleaching agent that effectively kills bacteria and whitens your teeth. The acetic acid present in apple cider vinegar can erode your teeth’s enamel or soften your teeth if not used properly. Limit the time your mouth is exposed to this product and don’t use it every day.
Professional Intervention
If you aren’t seeing results with the above tips, you may want to opt for more rigorous whitening methods. Allow a professional to help!
Dentists offer several teeth whitening services:
- At-home whitening systems are supervised by a trained professional. A patient is custom-fitted for a teeth-whitening tray that is worn over a set period of time. A dentist oversees the process to ensure it is working effectively.
- Dentists also offer on-site whitening options known as chairside bleaching. These procedures can often be done in one visit, though multiple treatments may be required in specific cases.
- In teeth greatly affected by intrinsic stains, crowns or veneers are used to whiten a smile.
Some people’s teeth are naturally darker or whiter than others. Take charge of the factors that are in your control and flaunt your smile with confidence! Consider implementing specific lifestyle changes, trying at-home teeth whitening DIYs, or seeking professional services, like Crescent Heights Dental.