Yellow Teeth: Causes and How to Whiten Them

When routine dental hygiene is no longer enough to prevent teeth from yellowing or if they have become yellow with time, you may consider teeth whitening.

Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic procedures, and various studies have shown that whiter teeth are associated with greater social, work, and romantic success.

At Captivate Dental, we help you get your teeth whiter safely, quickly, and economically. Let’s examine why your teeth might be yellow and what you can do about it.

Why Do Teeth Become Yellow?

Your teeth can become discoloured on the surface or by changes in the tooth material. Dentists divide discolouration into three main categories:

Extrinsic discolouration occurs when wine, cola, coffee, or other drinks or foods stain teeth. Smoking also causes extrinsic stains.

Intrinsic discolouration — In intrinsic discolouration, dentin darkens or yellows due to:

• fluoride exposure at a young age
• maternal use of antibiotics during the second half of pregnancy
• the use of antibiotics in children under eight years old

Age-related discolouration — Extrinsic and intrinsic variables are combined to create this. In addition to stains caused by foods, beverages, or smoking, the dentin eventually turns yellow.

The enamel gets thinner with age, which allows the dentin to show through. Enamel wears thin as people age, and this is natural.

Still, erosion can be hastened by acids from drinks and foods, including sour candies, oranges, sodas, and even some chewable vitamins.

Cracks or other injuries to a tooth can also cause discolouration.

A final cause can be dry mouth. Saliva neutralises acid and washes it away, but people with dry mouths miss out on this protective effect.

For example, people who breathe through their mouths can prevent saliva from moisturising their mouths when they are closed.

This creates the risk of thin tooth enamel for children and adults, creating a better environment for bacteria to take hold.

Home Remedies

There are several home remedies for tooth whitening, most of which are unproven and dangerous.

Professional dental whitening is always the safest and most effective way to go, but here are some approaches that some people swear by.

Z Brushing with baking soda

Baking soda is a prominent ingredient in commercial toothpaste because its mild abrasiveness can wear surface stains away.

Baking soda also gives the mouth an alkaline environment, which retards bacteria growth. However, that alkaline environment threatens teeth, as is the danger of enamel abrasion.

In general, this is an unsafe approach to teeth whitening.

Z Apple cider vinegar

This traditional remedy has been a natural cleaner and disinfectant for hundreds of years. The primary element in apple cider vinegar is acetic acid, which destroys microorganisms.

A study on cows showed that apple cider vinegar did bleach their teeth; however, as with all acids, it can destroy your enamel. It should never be used daily if used at all.

Other unproven folk remedies include:

• Fruit peel rubs. Rubbing lemon, orange, or banana peels on teeth is alleged to make them whiter
• Kaolin clay.
• Activated charcoal. Brushing with powdered charcoal allegedly removes toxins from the mouth and stains from teeth.

However, teeth whitening options are less safe and effective than those offered through Captivate Dental.

Your Cheltenham Dentist’s Tips

Our tips are simple: Here are some methods to whiten yellow teeth:

1. Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing two times daily and flossing daily can help avoid discolouration by eliminating plaque and surface stains.
2. Professional Cleaning: Regular visits to the dentist for professional dental cleanings can assist in removing surface stains and preventing plaque buildup.
3. Whitening Toothpaste: Toothpaste containing mild abrasives or chemicals like hydrogen peroxide can help remove surface stains and lighten teeth over time.
4. Whitening Strips and Trays: Over-the-counter whitening products containing peroxide can be applied at home to bleach teeth and lighten their colour.
5. Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments: Dentists can perform in-office teeth whitening treatments using more vital bleaching agents and specialised equipment to achieve faster and more noticeable results.
6. Lifestyle Changes: Quitting smoking and reducing consumption of staining foods and drinks can help prevent further discolouration.
7. Dental Veneers or Bonding: Dental veneers or bonding can provide a long-lasting solution for severe discolouration or other cosmetic issues by covering the teeth’s surface with a thin layer of porcelain or composite resin.

Complete Dental Care in Cheltenham!

At Captivate Dental, we provide the highest quality care and help patients to make informed choices.

Our competent, caring staff provides value through excellent diagnostic skills and effective use of the best quality materials.

Captivate Dental offers various preventative and cosmetic dental treatments for children, seniors, and everyone!

Visit your Cheltenham dentist today!

Call (03) 9553 1249, visit us online or use our convenient online booking page.

We are located at 36 Chesterville Road in Cheltenham.