Changing tooth colors over time is normal. It frequently happens that your teeth lose their initial luster over time. This is because your teeth appear yellow because as time passes, the enamel that protects your teeth gets thinner and the dentin beneath the surface starts to show. The yellow hue of dentin makes it darker than enamel. In addition to smoking and diet, there are a number of other factors that can result in yellow teeth.
While teeth whitening can be a problem for many people, it is normal for teeth to change color over time. Some individuals may become self-conscious about their appearance as a result. If this describes you and you want your teeth to be bright white once more, there are steps you can take to try and remove yellow stains from your teeth both at home and at the dentist.
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What Causes Teeth to Turn Yellow?
Sometimes the issue is as straightforward as plaque buildup. The tiny spaces in between teeth can still harbor plaque and other food particles even after thorough brushing. Although flossing is a great way to solve this issue, if the tooth is already stained, it might not be sufficient.
The various foods and beverages that people consume every day are the most frequent offenders of teeth discoloration. The color from foods can eat through the porous enamel on the surface of the tooth and stain it. Some familiar offenders are:
• Foods: Tomato sauce, beets, and colorful berries
• Beverages: Black coffee, tea, wine, and sodas with dyes
Those who want to brighten their smiles can proceed with caution by being aware of the causes. There are dental stain removal techniques that can help if your favorite foods have already left their mark.
Tips to Remove Yellow Stains on Teeth
Using Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
The removal of yellow tooth stains can often be accomplished by using a paste made of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Only one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda should be used in the paste. Immediately after using the paste, always rinse your mouth thoroughly.
Vitamin C
According to a 2007 study, vitamin C deficiency may make periodontitis, a condition marked by bacterial accumulation on the gums and teeth, worse. The discoloration is a result of this accumulation.
Therefore, ensuring that your vitamin C intake is adequate may help to prevent tooth discoloration. There needs to be more investigation into the possibility that vitamin C consumption can whiten teeth.
Fruit Enzymes
Certain fruit enzymes may help prevent discoloration when added to toothpaste.
A 2012 study discovered that toothpaste with papain and bromelain enzymes from pineapples and papayas effectively removes tooth stains.
Using Coconut Oil
For approximately 15 minutes, rinse your mouth with a teaspoon of coconut oil. Keep the coconut oil in your mouth at all times, and after swishing it around, immediately spit it out. When using this technique to whiten teeth, there is very little risk.
Using Apple Cider Vinegar
Multiple health advantages of apple cider vinegar exist. Additionally, it is utilized by some to whiten their teeth. 2 teaspoons of the vinegar can be combined with 6 ounces of water and rinsed around the mouth for 10 seconds. If you use this solution, be sure to brush your teeth afterward and rinse your mouth with water. You should also exercise caution because excessive use of apple cider vinegar can harm teeth.
Using Activated Charcoal
Similar to regular charcoal but modified for medical use is activated charcoal. With activated charcoal, you can either brush your teeth or just dab it on there. If you’d like, you can mix water and charcoal to make a mouthwash. Be cautious because gums can become irritated by activated charcoal. It might also get caught in any tiny crevices in teeth. Additionally, your neighborhood pharmacy or supermarket may sell mouthwash and toothpaste containing activated charcoal.
Brushing Frequently
Here are some tooth-brushing, best practice tips:
• brush two times a day
• brush for 2 to 3 minutes at a time
• be sure to brush every surface of each tooth
• make circular motions when brushing
• avoid brushing the gums or brush them very gently
• be sure to reach the teeth at the back of the mouth
Whitening Toothpaste
In order to improve the whiteness of the teeth, whitening toothpaste may help lessen tooth deterioration. Stronger ingredients in these products than in typical toothpaste help to remove tough food stains.
Although it may contain a small amount of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, whitening toothpaste does not contain bleach. These substances aid in whitening teeth.
Professional Help for Dealing With Yellow Teeth
Patients can get teeth whitening and stain removal services from dental professionals. Highly efficient methods, such as AirFlow technology, can be used to remove stains. The method removes stains that home dental hygiene cannot handle using a combination of compressed air, water, and sodium.
The quickest way to whiten teeth is to combine teeth whitening and stain removal. Your dentist can also give you a personalized mouth guard to use for at-home bleaching, as well as the necessary products and instructions. The bleach must then be applied at home over a predetermined period of time for best results.
When to Consider Restorative Dental Work?
Depending on the patient’s needs, procedures like dental sealants and veneers may be excellent options. These procedures offer ways to enhance a person’s smile, enhance tooth function, lessen pain, and extend the effects of dental work.
Along with many other elective dental services, more and more Americans are looking for teeth whitening options. In 2020, 37 million Americans used teeth whitening products, according to data from the Simmons National Consumer Survey (NHCS). Furthermore, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) discovered that people experience improvements in their personal and professional lives following dental procedures.
Summary: Making Changes
The quickest way to get rid of yellow teeth is through professional stain removal and whitening. To get whiter teeth, though, one should typically start at home. Consider making changes if you want to lessen the number of yellow stains on your teeth. Make sure your oral hygiene is up to par, avoid juices and other stains-causing beverages, and stop smoking if you are a smoker.
