Remember the smile that every toothpaste ad flashes at you? Pearly whites bright enough to blind you and then some. Wouldn’t you like that to shine out of your #unfiltered posts too? But we understand, spending a bomb at the dentist’s for that isn’t very compatible with the budget right after the festive season, now is it?
Though, who says that’s the only way. Come closer, dear reader, for I am about to unpack some sparkling hacks for the best ways to whiten yellow teeth and get that close up smile.
What Causes Yellow Stains on Teeth?
Before we learn how to get rid of yellow teeth, let us understand what causes our teeth to get these stains in the first place. The beginning is always a good place to start, young padawan.
One reason why our teeth yellow is age. See, there is the upper enamel, the white, tough layer in your teeth, but as we grow up it erodes and the yellow dentin layer hiding beneath says, “peek-ka-boo,” and becomes more visible.
But not all yellow and brown coloration is the dentin. Smoking, chewing tobacco, or other lifestyle factors like poor oral hygiene can cause external yellow stains to live on your teeth rent-free, according to DMD Sonia R. Bautista. She also says that while your genes can contribute to the dentin issue, having too much soda or tea can cause these yellow or brown or white or grey stains on your teeth. Now Dr. Sonia says the answer to “how to whiten yellow teeth” is always porcelain veneers or other dental procedures for extrinsic stains, but we will still explore some remedies for the intrinsic stains. And remember, to teeth whitening costs, spill the tea, bestie, but don’t drink too much of it. And brush, regularly. A bamboo brush and some toothpaste tabs go a long way in preventing these stains after all.
How to Prevent Yellow Stains on Teeth
We turned to Cleaveland Clinic for their expert opinions here, and got to know that while some situations like genetics, impact of medicines, health conditions, or dental trauma are outside your control, you aren’t exactly helpless. You can do certain things to reduce the chances of your smile going yellow. Such as not grinding your teeth too much!
- Brush twice a day with a soft bristled brush and toothpaste or tabs that have natural and safe ingredients (excessive fluoride can be harmful and cause yellowing so ask your dentist.)
- Floss. As instructed by your dentist.
- Spill the tea and smell the coffee, but keep consumption of these, and soda, and red wine to a minimum.
- Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate.
- Rinse your mouth after drinking beverages that cause discolouration.
- Say no to the smoke-stick. Quit smoking.
- Don’t depend on apples alone…visit your dentist regularly instead.
But say you have you Bae moment coming up and your teeth aren’t it. What then?
Best Ways to Remove Yellow Stains From Your Teeth
There are numerous ways to get rid of the yellow stains on your teeth, from getting a professional to whiten or clean your teeth to some nani ke nuske or grandmother’s remedies. Shall we make like charity and start at home then? With Healthline as our guide!
Home Remedies to Remove Yellow Stains
- A mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide gets that plague going, “I am out!”
If your issue is plague buildup- a yellowish substance on that tooth, or bacteria, then all you need is to let your inner Potions master out. Whip up a quick mixture of 1 tablespoon baking soda with 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide to make a mouthwash or a paste that you use post-brushing. For those lazy girl Sundays, you can use just the baking soda and water as a mouthwash.
- Oil pulling with sunflower and sesame oil
While this can sound gross, crunchy moms swear by it and for good reason. Swishing 1 or 2 teaspoons of high-quality organic oil in your mouth for 10-30 minutes, especially if it is sesame and sunflower oil, can reduce plague buildup which could theoretically whiten teeth. Remember, you can’t swallow the oil or let it touch the back of your throat cause the oil contains your mouth’s bacteria. Also, since it clogs drains, you don’t spit in the basin but a garbage bin or in the pot. Then rinse with a full glass and after that drink another glass. Post this, you brush your teeth for that sparkling smile.
- Eat water-rich fruits and veggies, or use toothpaste with papain and bromelain extract
While no studies support that diet can whiten teeth, a 2019 review suggested that Vitamin C can reduce plague build-up. According to a 2012 study oral care containing papain and bromelain extract showed significant stain removal, both of which are found in papaya. And pineapple respectively. Now we don’t know if just eating would do the same trick but it usually doesn’t harm. Do consult your doctor before making changes in your diet.
- Use the right toothpaste or toothpaste tablet
One 2012 study with a 2017 review have that when it comes to stains baking soda in the toothpaste is the way to go. Yet it doesn’t work on intrinsic yellowing, so don’t forget your dental appointments.
While other methods like using apple-cider vinegar or activated charcoal do exist, they are nuanced, many aren’t supported by evidence, and some can even have adverse effects if not done right, so we will steer clear of them. There are also home whitening kits but they don’t exactly scream home remedy, do they?
For professional whitening, or enamel erosion or dental trauma caused yellowing, the best and safest bet to fix your yellowing teeth is the dentist.
When to See a Dentist for Yellow Teeth
Cleaveland Clinic says that 9 times out of 10, yellow teeth are a cosmetic concern, so usually from a health point of view, you don’t need to take care of it. Yet, if you feel it’s a must for you, and you can afford to take care of it, visit your nearest cosmetic dentist.
Does this mean that there are no times when yellow teeth are a medical concern?
No. A combination of yellow teeth and the below symptoms could be the warning sign for oral health concerns, so go to your dentist STAT.
- Pain
- Holes in your teeth
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
For cosmetic issues related to yellowing of teeth, dentists can try whitening methods like UV therapy, laser therapy, bleaching, porcelain veneers, or more. Whichever process is chosen, it should be well researched and understood. Thorough reading of ingredients, appratus used should be done before undergoing any of these. Well, that’s it, folks. We are almost at the end of our piece. But before we part…
Tips for Maintaining a White Smile
- Brush your teeth the right way
We don’t need to tell you that brushing is extremely important. Especially, brushing the correct way and after drinking that tea or soda. Yet, there are nuances. Like some say that an electric toothbrush is better, and one study points out the same for whitening toothpaste. Other social media users have said that it is more about the brushing motion, according to their dentist. A redittor has shared that his teeth got whited after using tabs, but correction isn’t causation right- until more evidence is out there at least.
Finally, you must remember that brushing right after consumption of acidic foods can erode the enamel faster, so nuh-nuh to that. And remember to floss and use a tongue cleaner!
- Hydrate and Eat Right
As we have mentioned you should hydrate for better teeth. Avoid beverages that cause yelling such as tea, coffee, soda, and red wine. While there is no evidence, eating water-rich fruits can help, especially oranges, but do consult doctors before making changes in your diet.
- Visit Your Dentist as Prescribed
Prevention is the best cure and no one can spot dental issues faster than a dentist. Hence, we say keep checking in.
How to Remove Yellow Stains from Teeth FAQ
Can yellow teeth turn white again?
Yes. In certain conditions, you can reverse yellowing of teeth. For external causes home remedies like baking soda can be tried and for issues like enamel erosion or dental trauma, you can see your dentist.
Is yellow stain on teeth permanent?
Yellow stains on teeth aren’t always permanent, especially with the help of dental procedures like whitening.
How to clean yellow teeth?
Bruising right, using a mixture of water and 1 teaspoon baking soda as a mouth-waste in moderation, flossing as prescribed, and following the instructions given by your dentist can help clean yellow teeth. For more knowledge on how to get rid of staining on teeth, you can read the above information.
