Yellow Teeth: Causes and How to Whiten Teeth (2024)

FAQs

Yellow Teeth: Causes and How to Whiten Teeth? ›

If your teeth are yellow because of plaque and tartar build-up, or if you want to remove discolouration caused by other external factors (such as coffee or tea), a professional teeth cleaning can make your smile much whiter.

1 part of 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with 2 parts water makes an easy and affordable tooth-whitening mouthwash. Alternatively, create a paste using 3% hydrogen peroxide and baking soda and brush with this to remove yellow stains on teeth.

Coffee and tea are two of the most common causes of yellow teeth, but red and white wine are also to blame. Other culprits include dark and light sodas and sports drinks with artificial flavoring. Tetracycline antibiotics stain teeth when they're developing in the gums.

Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor oral hygiene is one of the causes of yellow teeth, but even the most diligent brushers and flossers can develop the discolored teeth that occur simply with age. Fluoride: Excessive fluoride exposure is also among the causes of stained teeth, especially in children.

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.

"Purple toothpaste contains color-correcting pigments that are meant to counteract yellow or off-white discoloration," said Chen. "The purple coloration is designed to neutralize yellow stains, enhancing the natural whiteness of the teeth."

You see your teeth every day and probably didn't notice the slight discoloration occurring. Thankfully, yellow teeth aren't forever. Not only can your teeth be whitened, but you can also adopt habits that keep them looking good.

Baking soda can be used with some water to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. It can also be used with hydrogen peroxide to enhance its whitening effects. Baking soda can be used by individuals with regular toothpastes too. It is also used commercially in some teeth whitening products and toothpastes.

How to actually whiten teeth? ›

Best Overall: Crest 3D White Brilliance 2 Step Toothpaste, $13. Best Mineral Toothpaste: RiseWell Mineral Toothpaste, $18. Best for Sensitive Teeth: Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Teeth Whitening Toothpaste, $17. Best Daily Whitening Toothpaste: Colgate Optic White Toothpaste, $12.

Age. The reason for yellow teeth as you age is usually that the white protective enamel becomes thinner and thinner as you get older. When the enamel thins, more of the underlying dentin — material that naturally is a pale yellow — increasingly shows through.

One of the most important vitamins for teeth whitening and overall health is Vitamin D3. This vitamin will help to remineralize your teeth and works best when taken with calcium. Considering about half the population in the USA is deficient in Vitamin D, it may be the reason so many teeth are not white.

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.

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

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.

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.

Ideally, you will use an electric toothbrush to eliminate as much staining as possible. Use teeth whitening toothpaste two times per day and you might notice whiter teeth in as little as half a month's time. However, it could take upwards of a month and a half to produce meaningful results.

Generally at this concentration you would need to have your teeth in contact with the 3% hydrogen peroxide for about 5 hours a day for about 2-3 weeks to have meaningful tooth whitening, which is very difficult to do with a watery liquid.