The foods we eat, the beverages we drink and age itself work against our teeth, causing discoloration over time. Teeth can become yellow due to stains — both deep and surface-level — as well as other causes that aren't always under our control. Whether the discoloration is due to staining or other factors, learn how to whiten your teeth through over-the-counter products and professional whitening from the dentist. Show
What Causes Yellow Teeth?
Despite there being numerous causes, sometimes yellow teeth are just genetic; the shade of your teeth may be naturally more yellow than others. If your tooth colour is a concern for you, speak to your dental professional about cosmetic options. How to Whiten Your TeethWhether your teeth are lightly stained or quite yellow, there are many ways to whiten your teeth – either gradually or super-fast, depending on the method you choose. 1. Professional Teeth Whitening If you’re keen to transform a yellow smile to brilliantly pearly white fast, your best option is to see your dental professional for an in-office whitening treatment. Your dental professional will use a whitener with a strong concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Sometimes, they’ll use a UV or LED light or other devices to speed up the whitening process. Your teeth will be noticeably whiter at the end of the treatment. However, your dental professional may suggest more than one treatment if your teeth have yellowed considerably. 2. At-Home Teeth Whitening Your dental professional can provide you with an at-home whitening kit that includes custom mouth trays and whitening gel with a lower concentration of hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. By wearing the mouth trays filled with whitening gel each day for several weeks, you can soon achieve a whiter smile. 3. Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening There’s an ever-growing array of whitening products you can buy at the shops, from whitening strips and pens to mouthwashes and toothpastes. These whitening products contain a lower concentration of whitening agent, and the toothpaste often contains high-cleaning silica, which helps to remove surface stains from the enamel of your teeth. Preventing Yellow TeethIf you want to keep your teeth looking healthy and white, avoid smoking and cut back on those espressos, teas and soft drinks. If you’re keen, get into the habit of using a straw when drinking dark-coloured and acidic beverages to help further prevent yellow teeth. Drink plain milk or tap water after eating or drinking anything acidic to help reduce the acid’s eroding effect. Brushing and flossing also help prevent yellow teeth, as does avoiding snacks between meals so your saliva can dilute the acids in your mouth. Make sure you use dental products with fluoride to protect your teeth and get any dry mouth symptoms treated with the help of your dental professional. When brushing twice a day and flossing doesn’t help improve the appearance of your yellow teeth, it might be time to consider some of these excellent whitening options. With so many ways to whiten yellow teeth, there’s no reason to hide a beautiful smile. About the author: Dr David Chen, DDS Hello, I'm Dr Chen and I'm an actively practicing dentist in Long Island City, NY. I graduated from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in 2016 but prior to going to dental school I was already working in the dental field. It's been more than a decade since I first got to know dentistry and let me tell you, time flies by quickly. Since then I've developed a fondness for writing, which is how this all got started! Association Memberships: Medical Disclaimer: This blog is purely meant for information purposes and should not be used as medical advice. Each situation in your mouth is unique and complex. It is not possible to give advice nor diagnose any oral conditions based on text nor virtual consultations. The best thing to do is to go in person to see your dentist for an examination and consultation so that you can receive the best care possible. The purpose of all of this oral health information is to encourage you to see your dentist and to inform you of what you may expect during your visit. Due to the unfortunate nature of dentistry, there isn't really any true home remedies that will get rid of dental problems. Roughly 99.99% of them require in-person intervention by a healthcare professional. Hint: That is the reason why you can't eliminate seeing dentists in your life! We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. It is natural for a person’s teeth to become less white as they age. Many people turn to home remedies to try to get rid of yellow teeth. But which treatments are most effective? This article explores how to get rid of yellow teeth and looks at 11 remedies to try at home. We also include the scientific studies that support each of the remedies. Here are 5 natural remedies that may help to get rid of yellow teeth at home. These are an alternative to teeth whitening options that a dentist may offer: 1. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxideShare on PinterestThere are various teeth whitening options that can be tried at home or offered by dentists. Using a toothpaste containing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide may help reduce yellowing of the teeth. A 2012 study found that using a toothpaste containing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide reduces tooth staining and improves whiteness. 2. Vitamin CA 2007 study found that vitamin C deficiency may worsen peridontitis, which is a buildup of bacteria on the teeth and gums. This buildup contributes to discoloration. It follows that keeping topped up on vitamin C may reduce discoloration of the teeth. More research is needed into whether vitamin C consumption may have a whitening effect on the teeth. 3. Fruit enzymesWhen added to toothpaste, certain fruit enzymes may combat discoloration. A 2012 study found toothpaste that contains papain enzyme from the papaya fruit and bromelain enzyme from pineapples helps remove tooth stains. 4. Apple cider vinegarWhen it is used in small quantities, apple cider vinegar may reduce staining on the teeth and improve whiteness. A 2014 study found that apple cider vinegar has a whitening effect on teeth. It should be noted, however, that this was a study on animals. Apple cider vinegar may damage the surface of the teeth if used too often. More research is needed into the use of apple cider vinegar, as a tooth whitener. In the meantime, it should be used sparingly and with caution. 5. Coconut oil pullingA 2015 study found that oil pulling or swishing in the mouth with coconut oil could be an effective way to reduce plaque buildup on the teeth. As plaque buildup can contribute to yellowing, it follows that coconut oil pulling may reduce discoloration. More research is needed into coconut oil pulling to establish the extent to which it may help whiten the teeth. Here are 6 dental remedies that may help to get rid of yellow teeth at home. These are more traditional methods of care that dentists often recommend: 6. Brushing frequentlyShare on PinterestBrushing and using mouthwash regularly will help to reduce the buildup of plaque. This is most important after consuming food or drink that may discolor the teeth, such as:
Here are some tooth brushing, best practice tips:
7. Whitening toothpasteWhitening toothpaste may help reduce yellowing of the teeth and improve whiteness. These products contain stronger ingredients than standard toothpaste, helping to remove tough food stains. Whitening toothpaste does not contain bleach but may contain a small amount of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. These chemicals help to lighten tooth color. According to a 2014 study, whitening toothpaste typically lightens tooth color by one or two shades. 8. Tray-based tooth whitenersSome dentists offer tray-based tooth whitening, but home versions are also available over-the-counter. Tray-based tooth whiteners can lighten the teeth by one or two shades. This tooth whitening method involves wearing a fitted tray over the teeth. The tray contains a bleaching gel and is worn for 2 to 4 hours a day or overnight. It is important to look for products that contain 10 percent carbamide peroxide. These are recommended as safe by the American Dental Association (ADA). 9. Whitening stripsWhitening strips deliver a thin layer of peroxide gel on plastic strips. These are shaped to fit onto the surface of the teeth. There is a range of whitening strip products available online and instructions for them vary. Most suggest they should be applied twice a day for 30 minutes. Strips can lighten the teeth by one or two shades. That said, a 2016 study notes there is no evidence whitening strips are any more effective than 10 percent carbamide peroxide gel. The use of carbamide peroxide gel is the ADA recommended method. 10. Whitening rinsesWhitening rinses are another way to get rid of yellow teeth. They contain oxygen sources such as hydrogen peroxide. These react with the compounds staining the teeth, helping to lift them. Using a rinse twice a day for 1 minute at a time can lead to a one to two shade improvement in tooth color within 3 months. 11. Activated charcoalToothpaste that contains activated charcoal may help to reduce staining on the teeth. A 2017 review found that charcoal toothpastes may help remove external staining on teeth. Further studies are needed into the extent or rate of stain removal that can be expected. Charcoal toothpastes should be used with caution, as they can cause staining. The charcoal may be hard to remove from the crevices of the teeth and around restorations. Share on PinterestDrinking coffee can stain the surface of teeth, causing them to go yellow. As a person gets older, the white enamel on their teeth becomes worn. When this happens, the calcified tissue underneath starts to show through. This tissue is called dentin, and it has a yellowish color. Teeth can become yellow for the following reasons:
The last cause is hard to prevent, as it is a natural part of the aging process. However, staining can be reduced by avoiding:
Plaque buildup can be reduced by:
It is natural for teeth to become slightly yellow as a person ages and their enamel becomes worn. Discoloration from plaque buildup can be reduced by regular brushing. Avoiding foods that may stain the teeth is also a good idea. To lighten the appearance of teeth, trying the home remedies explored above may help. The best way to keep teeth healthy is through diet and a good oral hygiene routine. |