People have the common misconception that teeth should be perfectly white, but this isn’t the case. Even if you diligently brush your teeth twice a day, every single day, there are a couple of reasons why your teeth may not be as white as you would like them to be. Our team at Somba Kè Family Dental has put together this article so that you can find out why your teeth aren’t pearly white and find advice on how to make them whiter.
#1 Teeth Aren’t Naturally White
To begin, any dentist near you will tell you that your teeth are not naturally white. Even if your teeth were to never come into contact with staining agents, they are naturally off-white and would still appear that way.
The portion of your tooth visible above the gum line is made of enamel and dentin. Dentin is the hard tissue that makes up the majority of your tooth’s structure, and it is encased in protective enamel. Both of these structures can cause your teeth to appear discolored.
#2 Teeth Are Stained
Most of the time, teeth become stained from the substances that individuals eat and drink, as well as other lifestyle choices.
Smoking is a large culprit when it comes to stained teeth, but it isn’t the only cause. Regular ingestion of berries, coffee, red wine, and cola can all cause teeth staining. Sometimes, even prescription medications and fluoride can cause staining.
Even if you brush your teeth daily, your teeth will likely stain over time if you regularly consume dark-colored substances.
#3 Brushing Isn’t Designed to Whiten Teeth
Brushing your teeth is meant to remove harmful bacteria and plaque but not to whiten them. As recommended by your dentist, brushing twice a day is vital because it prevents cavities and tooth decay. Brushing alone will not whiten your teeth, though, and even whitening toothpaste only has a minimal effect on your teeth.
Over-The-Counter Whitening Options
There are many options for over-the-counter teeth whitening in Yellowknife. These products can offer some benefits, but they are often extremely limited in what they can do to whiten your smile.
Whitening strips, toothpastes, and mouthwashes can only affect surface enamel and thus only get surface-level stains out. Additionally, many over-the-counter whitening treatments do not offer even results, and patients end up with patchy teeth.
Overuse of over-the-counter whitening products can do more harm than good since many of them can damage your tooth enamel when used improperly.
Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments
The best and safest way to get a whiter, brighter smile is to visit a dental clinic in Yellowknife for professional teeth whitening near you.
Depending on your teeth and desired appearance, there are several recommendations that your dentist might make. For example, you may be offered an in-office bleaching treatment or be given custom-made whitening trays to use at home. Both options will provide you with an enhanced, radiant smile, and you can rest assured that you will receive quick, safe, and long-lasting results.
If you are interested in learning more about achieving whiter teeth in a safe and effective manner, contact our team at Somba Ké Family Dental. Our dentists know what whitening treatments will work best for your smile and are happy to assist you. Please contact us to book a consultation today!
FAQs
Regular ingestion of berries, coffee, red wine, and cola can all cause teeth staining. Sometimes, even prescription medications and fluoride can cause staining. Even if you brush your teeth daily, your teeth will likely stain over time if you regularly consume dark-colored substances.
Why are my teeth yellow even if I brush every day? ›
The most common reason for yellow teeth despite daily brushing is incorrect brushing techniques. Inadequate removal of plaque causes staining. To brush correctly, reach every corner and brush for two minutes, twice daily. Brush the tongue to eliminate bacteria that cause bad breath and tooth discoloration.
Why are my teeth yellow when I have good hygiene? ›
Thin enamel is one possible cause of yellow teeth. Certain illnesses and medications can cause enamel to become thinner than it should be. Acids in foods and drinks can also erode enamel, particularly the highly corrosive acids in cola and other soft drinks.
Can yellow teeth become white again? ›
Fortunately, there are ways of making your yellow teeth white, from improving your oral hygiene and diet to visiting the dentist and having them professionally whitened. There's no need to feel ashamed of your smile anymore.
Why are my teeth still yellow after dental cleaning? ›
You may have a yellow bacterial film called ? plaque? that occurs naturally in mouth that can build up. If not removed it hardens to form tartar. Advise deep cleaning, polishing, whitening (bleaching) procedures, artificial enamel filling or capping.
How can I stop my teeth going yellow? ›
Can You Fix Yellow Teeth Naturally?
- Apply Baking Soda to Your Brushes. ...
- Use Hydrogen Peroxide. ...
- Use a Teeth Whitener. ...
- Brush Your Teeth Regularly. ...
- Avoid Foods that Stain Teeth. ...
- Avoid Smoking. ...
- Increase Your Calcium Intake. ...
- Keep a Good Oral Hygiene Routine.
In adults, low vitamin D status can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. Yes, vitamin D deficiency can show up as yellow teeth. Yellow or brown spots on teeth are a symptom of rickets, a condition caused by chronic low levels of vitamin D.
What illness causes yellow teeth? ›
Some health conditions cause teeth discoloration, including liver disease, celiac disease, calcium deficiency, eating disorders and metabolic diseases. Certain medications. Some medications, like certain antihistamines and drugs for high blood pressure, can result in teeth discoloration.
How yellow is ok for teeth? ›
Natural teeth are normally tinged with grey or yellow. Basically, it's the thickness and shade of your enamel which impact the color of your teeth. Don't worry if you brush daily and your teeth still remain yellow. It could just be that they're that shade naturally.
How to whiten yellow teeth naturally? ›
The following strategies may help whiten teeth:
- Making dietary changes. Eliminating foods that mark the teeth can prevent further staining. ...
- Trying oil pulling. ...
- Brushing with baking soda. ...
- Using hydrogen peroxide. ...
- Whitening with fruit. ...
- Chewing high fiber foods.
Baking-powder eliminates stains on the surface of your teeth and lemon juice as we already said has multiple components that lighten teeth. Just mix a teaspoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth with the paste this mixture will work wonders in just two minutes.
Can you reverse teeth yellowing? ›
If the tooth discoloration is not severe, you may be able to reverse it just through the lifestyle changes explored earlier. If the tooth discoloration is severe, your options include: Veneers and bondings. Over-the-counter whitening agents.
Why are my teeth yellow if I brush every day? ›
Regular ingestion of berries, coffee, red wine, and cola can all cause teeth staining. Sometimes, even prescription medications and fluoride can cause staining. Even if you brush your teeth daily, your teeth will likely stain over time if you regularly consume dark-colored substances.
How long does it take to brush away yellow teeth? ›
How Long Does It Take Yellow Teeth To Turn White? If you opt for at-home products like dentist-recommended whitening toothpaste and brush twice daily, results can be seen in two to six weeks. There are many types of whitening toothpaste, and their effects can vary.
How do you clean super yellow teeth? ›
Remedies for yellow teeth
- Brushing your teeth. Your first plan of action should be to brush your teeth more often and in the correct manner. ...
- Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. ...
- Coconut oil pulling. ...
- Apple cider vinegar. ...
- Lemon, orange, or banana peels. ...
- Activated charcoal. ...
- Eating fruits and vegetables with a higher water content.
Here are six ways for you to naturally whiten your teeth without the use of any harmful chemicals:
- First things first, brush your teeth regularly: ...
- Oil pulling: ...
- Brush with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste: ...
- Rub banana, orange, or lemon peels: ...
- Take a diet rich in fruits and vegetables: ...
- Go to the dentist:
Your Teeth Aren't Clean
You may not see it, but your teeth may have a dirty biofilm or layer of plaque buildup that is preventing the whitening agents from targeting your tooth stains. Consider teeth whitening after your next routine dental cleaning.
Are yellow teeth healthy? ›
Non-White or Yellow Teeth are Unhealthy
This myth is peddled by firms which want us to spend a fortune on getting a perfect “movie star” smile. Although heavy staining and yellow plaque deposits aren't healthy, it's very possible for yellowish teeth to be absolutely clean and healthy.
How do you get rid of yellow teeth with brush? ›
Brush for at least two minutes twice daily and make sure your toothbrush gets into all the crevices and cracks. To protect your gums, brush in a circular motion- on the inside, outside and teeth chewing surfaces. A 2018 study revealed that using whitening toothpaste can whiten your teeth.
