Even though ‘whiter teeth’ is often included as one of the benefits of regularly and thoroughly brushing your teeth, some people with yellow teeth won’t see improvements, even when they brush twice a day. In this blog, we’ll take you through the reasons why some people won’t ever be able to brush away the yellow, and let you know what Naenae Dental Clinic can do to help.
External and internal stains
In most cases, the common cause for tooth discolouration is external staining as a result of drinking coffee, tea, or wine, or from smoking and other tobacco use. Coffee, tea and wine are all very high in chromogens, which all stick to our teeth and will produce noticeable stains, while nicotine mixed with oxygen produces a yellow result that settles into tooth enamel, turning it yellow or brown over time. These external stains cannot be removed simply by brushing, and are one of the most common causes of tooth discolouration.On the other hand, if you’ve suffered trauma or injury to your teeth, you might be left with an internal stain that can’t be improved or removed by brushing. Internal stains normally result in a darker discolouration than the typical yellow stain caused by a beverage or nicotine. These stains are caused by bruising in the tooth and can result in a dark or grey tooth.
Habits and brushing
If your brushing habits are not up to scratch, this can make any stains or developing yellow teeth worse. Brushing twice a day is a minimum, but you have to make sure that you’re cleaning all your teeth to avoid issues. Using dental floss will also make sure that you reach the parts of your teeth that would otherwise go unattended and might be at greater risk.Be careful however, as brushing your teeth too harshly means you run the risk of eroding away your own enamel, which will reveal more of the dentin layer of your teeth and lead to discolouration. Soft tooth brushes are always recommended rather than medium or hard.
Ageing, genetics and health
It’s also entirely possible that, as you age, your enamel will slowly wear away and leave you with yellow teeth, even if you’ve kept up a healthy brushing regime. This can be exacerbated by the simple fact that, based on our genetics, some of us are born with an extremely thick layer of enamel, and some of us naturally have a very thin layer.Your overall health is also a factor in determining the colour of your teeth – in particular, issues such as nutritional deficiencies and treatments for cancer are likely to render your teeth yellow, regardless of your brushing and care.
Get whiter teeth today!
If you’re looking for an expert provider of cosmetic dentistry that offers the high-quality teeth whitening Wellington needs, Naenae Dental Clinic is an experienced and trusted dentist Wellington residents can rely on.For any external stains on teeth it is recommended you see a dental hygienist for a thorough clean and polish. Internal stains can be a little more stubborn and can be treated by your dentist with a variety of different whitening methods. For quality teeth whitening services and all their other regular dental needs, contact our clinic today or come down to see us at 9 Hillary Court in Naenae!
FAQs
Regular ingestion of berries, coffee, red wine, and cola can all cause teeth staining. Sometimes, even prescription medications and fluoride can cause staining.
Why are my teeth still yellow if I brush them everyday? ›
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 won't my yellow teeth whiten? ›
The natural color of teeth can vary due to various factors, including genetics, age, and lifestyle habits. Some individuals naturally have teeth that are darker or have a yellowish tint. These teeth may have a denser enamel layer or more pigmented dentin, making them more resistant to whitening treatments.
Can yellow teeth become white again by brushing? ›
Your teeth can also develop stains from foods like berries, coffee, tea, red wine, sodas, et cetera. Staining also results from prescription medications, fluoride, and aging. Brushing your teeth diligently helps remove harmful plaque and bacteria from your teeth but isn't effective whiten them.
Can teeth be permanently yellow? ›
Age, injuries, trauma, medications, disease and genetics can all be causes for teeth discolouring and becoming yellow in colour. Yellow teeth caused by genetics, age, illness or injury are permanent and need professional dental attention to address.
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.
What vitamin deficiency causes yellow teeth? ›
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.
How fast can yellow teeth become white? ›
The UV light is said to activate the peroxide and expedite the whitening process. If you use this every day, you can see results within 10-14 days. Whitening toothpaste contains enzymes that eliminate stains while brushing your teeth. If you do this twice a day, results can range anywhere from two to six weeks.
How do you get rid of yellow teeth completely? ›
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.
Aging. As you grow older, your tooth enamel wears thinner. This exposes more of the underlying dentin, which has a yellowish hue. As a result, your teeth may appear slightly more discolored as you age.
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.
Which toothpaste is best for yellow teeth? ›
Healthline's picks of the best whitening toothpaste
- Colgate Optic White Whitening Toothpaste. ...
- Colgate Optic White Renewal Teeth-Whitening Toothpaste. ...
- Tom's of Maine Simply White Natural Toothpaste. ...
- Sensodyne ProNamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste. ...
- Arm & Hammer Advanced White Extreme Whitening Toothpaste.
For your benefit, we've provided you with seven different ways to naturally whiten your teeth.
- Eat Strawberries. ...
- Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables. ...
- Brush After You Eat or Drink. ...
- Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
- Apply Coconut Oil. ...
- Brush Your Tongue. ...
- Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide.
Some medical conditions may impact the tooth enamel, which can lead to changes in the color of your teeth. These conditions include metabolic diseases, calcium deficiency, liver disease, rickets, eating disorders, and celiac disease.
Why are my teeth yellow even after brushing? ›
Even if you're brushing your teeth well every day, your enamel thinning can lead to yellow teeth. While these changes can happen with time, you can help prevent staining in several ways. Practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding certain foods and drinks, and visiting your dentist for regular examinations and cleanings.
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.
How long does it take to get rid of yellow teeth by brushing? ›
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.
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 do I stop my teeth from turning yellow? ›
Thoroughly brushing your teeth twice a day to prevent yellow surface stains is a must. Floss your teeth once a day, as well. To tackle deeper intrinsic stains, visit your dental hygienist, who can gently clean away this unsightly bacteria and tartar and polish your teeth while you are in the dental chair.
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.
