Everyone wants a beautiful, white, show-stopping smile. But keeping your smile bright and white is difficult in this modern world. There are so many everyday things that contribute to having yellow teeth.
The perils of the modern world don’t mean you have to live with dull, yellow teeth. There are solutions you can try at home and at the dentist to get the smile of your dreams. Here are your three options you can try to get whiter teeth.
What Causes Yellow Teeth?
When your teeth change color and no longer look bright and white, it’s called tooth discoloration. Teeth may turn a shade of yellow, darken, or develop white or dark spots.
The causes of yellow teeth fall mainly into three categories. Extrinsic, intrinsic, and age-related. Each of these three categories has several contributors, and some are common everyday activities.
Extrinsic
An extrinsic cause is anything that comes into contact with your teeth. Extrinsic discoloration can be caused by tobacco products like cigarettes or chewing tobacco. Everyday foods like coffee, tea, wine, and sodas also cause discoloration.
Intrinsic
Intrinsic discoloration is caused by something that’s inside your teeth or body. This is staining that’s below the surface of the teeth, calculating in the tooth enamel. Dental caries, fluorosis, pulp necrosis, and trauma are all possible intrinsic causes.
Age-Related
Discoloration that’s age-related typically happens later in life. This can happen as the outer layer of enamel wears away over time and reveals the dentin’s natural color. This may make your teeth look gray or yellow instead of white.
How to Whiten Your Teeth
No matter what’s causing your yellow teeth, there’s a way to combat the staining at home and in the dentists’ office. Here are the top three options for whitening your teeth.
1. Whitening Toothpaste
Using whitening toothpaste is one of the most popular ways to remove stains from your teeth. This method uses abrasive ingredients to remove stains. But because these kinds of toothpaste can only reach the surface, it’s best for removing extrinsic stains.
You should be cognizant of the ingredients in whitening toothpaste, says Dr. Robert Govoni. Bleach may help the discoloration, but bleach can have negative effects on sensitive teeth.
Many types of whitening toothpaste vary in the results they can offer. Two-step systems offer both deep cleaning and a whitening step. Charcoal and baking soda are two ingredients that can help boost the effects of whitening.
For those with sensitive teeth, there are also teeth whitening options. These kinds of toothpaste usually have low-abrasion and gently restore your teeth to a natural white. These kinds of toothpaste also work to strengthen your enamel and prevent new stains.
Overall, whitening toothpaste can lighten your teeth a little. But if you have deeper stains, then you may need another treatment option.
2. Watch What You Eat
You might not realize that what you eat has a direct effect on the quality of your teeth. Eating the right foods can give your body the nutrients it needs to keep your teeth healthy and, therefore, brighter and whiter.
Eating well isn’t a substitute for brushing, but certain foods can help eliminate plaque while you chew. Raw fruits and vegetables that have a crunch can clean your teeth while you eat them.
Some toothpaste contains bromelain, which can remove tooth stains. Bromelain is an enzyme that naturally occurs in pineapples. However, you should still brush with regular toothpaste, urges Dr. Monika.
You can also limit foods that cause stains on your teeth like coffee, soda, red wine, and dark berries. You don’t have to avoid them completely, rather switch up the way you enjoy these foods.
If possible, drink the teeth-staining liquids with a straw to prevent direct contact with teeth. And brush your teeth soon after consuming these drinks to limit their effects. You should also limit your sugar intake and get plenty of calcium for stronger teeth.
3. In-Office Bleaching
If you’re looking for the method that will get the best results for removing stains, an in-office bleaching treatment is probably the best for you. These treatments can take just an hour to complete and have incredible effects on intrinsic stains.
These results are more immediate and last longer than either of the two treatments. This is because in-office bleaching targets the teeth’s inner structure rather than just the surface. In-office treatments also take care to protect your gums from the bleach.
Our dentists can create a custom-fitted tray and offer guidance for you to achieve your best smile. The results from in-office bleaching treatments can last for years when properly done.
Brushin’ on Belmont offers Zoom!, KöR, and Boost treatments in-office to combat yellow teeth. Our office can advise you on clinical whitening kits to complete a whitening treatment at home.
Does Teeth Whitening Really Work?
Now you know how to get white teeth and what results to expect, and how well whitening really works. What’s important to remember to get the best results is to treat the kind of stains you have properly.
If you have intrinsic stains, whitening toothpaste may not do the job. But bleaching may be too harsh on extrinsic stains, affecting the enamel and gums.
Whitening also comes down to genetics. Some people have naturally white teeth, but for those who don’t, whitening toothpaste won’t create a drastic change.
At-home bleaching can help discoloration, but the results may not be long-lasting. And this treatment can cause gum and enamel damage if used too often.
If you have intrinsic discoloration, sensitive teeth, or want results that last, professional in-office bleaching may be the best option for you.
Say Goodbye to Yellow Teeth
Don’t let yellow teeth keep you from achieving your dream smile. If you’re looking to make your teeth look brighter and whiter, you have some options to achieve that goal.
Whether you’re looking for at-home treatment or treatment done in a dentist’s office, there’s a whitening plan that will work best for you. No matter what you choose, if you follow this guide, you can say goodbye to yellow teeth.
Your show-stopping smile is just around the corner. Want to learn more about teeth whitening or schedule an appointment with our dentists? Allow us to find the treatment plan and dentist for your dream smile.