Are your teeth naturally yellow? There are different reasons for tooth discoloration, but if you have teeth that are a shade of yellow, little of what you do to whiten them will make a difference. Some people struggle with yellow teeth without understanding why nothing’s working. The good news is that even naturally yellow teeth can be whitened, and kept white, if you understand the causes behind tooth discoloration.
Why are some teeth naturally yellow?
By now, you probably know that certain lifestyle choices can lead to your teeth staining. Drinking coffee and tea, poor oral hygiene, and smoking are among the top lifestyle choices that lead to tooth discoloration.
But if you’ve adjusted your lifestyle and still struggle with yellow teeth, chances are the problem isn’t staining.
When teeth are naturally yellow, the problem is usually deeper than that. Normal tooth staining is discoloration of the hard, outermost surface of your teeth. This layer is called the tooth enamel and it’s the hardest tissue found anywhere in the human body. Under the enamel, there’s a different kind of tooth tissue called dentin.
Dentin is typically a bit softer than enamel and is usually yellowish in color. If you’ve had no success trying to treat regular tooth staining, there’s a good chance that your dentin is yellower than most people’s. While your enamel isn’t extremely translucent, it still allows some of the yellowish color of your dentin to shine through. Discolored dentin could be caused by a variety of things including medications and your genes. Because dentin is the layer under your tooth enamel, having a thinner layer of enamel on your teeth will also cause the color of your dentin to shine through more clearly.
Why bleaching kits won’t work for you
If you have a problem with teeth that appear naturally yellow, no amount of bleaching will solve the problem. This is because bleaching kits, whitening toothpastes, and other home treatments for yellow teeth are only meant to bleach the enamel.
And while using a bleaching kits sparingly can help to whiten your teeth somewhat, you should be careful not to overuse them. When used too often, these kits can actually start to wear away your tooth enamel, which will only cause the color of your dentin to become more visible. Obviously, this will only worsen your problem rather than improving it.
Fact is, these kits can’t go beyond the outer layer of your teeth to bleach the discoloration of your dentin, so for some people, they make no difference in whiting the teeth at all.
How to whiten dentin?
Luckily there’s still a way to whiten your teeth, even if it’s your dentin that’s causing the yellowness.
Deep Bleaching is the most effective method to whiten any kind of tooth discoloration. The method seems to work well, even when your tooth discoloration goes beyond your tooth enamel. It’s also safer for your teeth than constantly using over-the-counter bleaching kits.
The benefit of deep bleaching is that it’s the most effective tooth bleaching method currently available. However, there are some drawbacks. For instance, deep bleaching is a process that can take more than two weeks to complete. During this time, you’ll have to wear whitening trays every night to help your teeth whiten. Apart from this, it can be difficult to know exactly how much whiter your teeth will be after treatment is complete. While some patients get superb results, others find that their teeth are only slightly whiter than before.
If you have any concerns about deep bleaching and you’d like to consult a dentist to discuss the procedure, feel free to call Dr. Stone’s practice to book an appointment. As a cosmetic dentist and prosthodontist, Dr. Stone uses the safest and most effective technology possible to get his patients’ teeth looking their best. That’s why he uses the KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ System.
FAQs
Can You Whiten Naturally Yellow Teeth? Whitening teeth having a yellowish hue is possible if you use the appropriate technique. However, please don't rely on over-the-counter teeth whitening toothpaste or strips because they will likely not deliver any results soon.
Can you whiten teeth that are naturally yellow? ›
Can You Whiten Naturally Yellow Teeth? Whitening teeth having a yellowish hue is possible if you use the appropriate technique. However, please don't rely on over-the-counter teeth whitening toothpaste or strips because they will likely not deliver any results soon.
How to make teeth whiter in 3 minutes without baking soda? ›
Rub banana, orange, or lemon peels:
To perform this “trick,” take a banana, orange, or lemon peel and gently rub it on your teeth. Keep rubbing it for about 2 minutes, then thoroughly wash your mouth and brush your teeth. The peels of these fruits contain citric acid, which theoretically helps in teeth whitening.
How to cure yellow teeth naturally? ›
Experiment to find a solution that works for you.
- Brushing your teeth. ...
- 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.
Do You Want To Whiten Your Teeth, Fast?
- Use whitening toothpaste. ...
- Switch to an electric toothbrush. ...
- Get a professional tooth whitening treatment. ...
- Get a custom whitening gel tray. ...
- Apply whitening strips. ...
- Use baking soda toothpaste. ...
- Try oil pulling. ...
- Practice good oral hygiene.
If teeth whitening does not work for you, it might be because of the product you are using, the type of tooth stains or spots, or strength of the bleaching gel. Product type – Whitening toothpaste does not remove deeply embedded stains.
How do people get super white teeth? ›
As well as cosmetic dental treatment and teeth whitening procedures, people also get their teeth so white by avoiding food and drink that stains teeth yellow.
What is the fastest home remedy to whiten your teeth? ›
For optimal whitening, a person can try brushing with a mix of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for 1–2 minutes twice a day for a week. They should only do this occasionally. Hydrogen peroxide may increase tooth sensitivity, so it is not suitable for long-term use or for people who already have sensitive teeth.
How to clean yellow teeth in one day? ›
10 Ways to Whiten Teeth in a Day and Keep Healthy Gums
- Brush with Baking Soda. ...
- Use Hydrogen Peroxide. ...
- Activated Charcoal. ...
- Powdered milk and toothpaste. ...
- Coconut Oil Pulling with Baking soda. ...
- Essential Oils Whitening Toothpaste. ...
- Turmeric Whitening Toothpaste. ...
- Baking Soda and Strawberry Paste.
Combine 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of hydrogen peroxide with 1 teaspoon (6 grams) of baking soda and gently brush your teeth with the mixture. Limit the use of this homemade paste to a few times per week, as overuse can erode your tooth enamel.
If you are someone with a genetic yellow teeth, you can use various over-the-counter teeth whitening products or undergo other procedures like tooth bleaching to improve your tooth color.
What is the best thing to whiten your teeth with? ›
If you're looking for long-lasting results, Bianca Velayo, DMD of Green Valley Smiles Dentistry, recommends looking for peroxide-based products if you're hoping to whiten tooth enamel. You can opt for either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide as both will reverse internal and external stains on teeth, she notes.
Can salt whiten teeth? ›
Since salt and baking soda are abrasive they could remove stains from teeth, but that's like trying to lighten your floors by sanding them down, said Messina, who is also a spokesperson for the American Dental Association.
What is the most powerful way to whiten teeth? ›
Professional teeth whitening is usually the most effective option, but it is also more expensive than at-home teeth whitening kits. Over-the-counter teeth whitening products are typically safe and effective, but they may take longer to produce results than professional teeth whitening treatments.
What is the cheapest way to whiten your teeth? ›
Over-the-counter options, like whitening toothpastes, strips, and kits, tend to be the cheapest options. If you feel self-conscious about the brightness of your smile, you are far from alone.
How can I get white teeth in 7 days? ›
One popular method is brushing with baking soda. This household staple has mild abrasive properties that can gently remove surface stains from your teeth. Simply mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste, then brush your teeth with it for about two minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Can you reverse really yellow teeth? ›
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.
Can yellow teeth be irreversible? ›
Some of the causes include age, diet, habits, and genetics. Yellow teeth are almost always reversible except with genetic staining, in which case there are other treatment options to consider.
Do yellow teeth go back to white? ›
Thankfully, yellow teeth aren't forever. Not only can your teeth be whitened, but you can also adopt habits that keep them looking good. Use this blog to learn about why teeth become yellow, how you can fix them, and what you can do to prevent future discoloration.
Are naturally yellow teeth stronger? ›
A Science Focus writer even believes that slightly yellow teeth are stronger than naturally white ones, because it suggests a healthy amount of that vital tissue. Conversely, sometimes the yellow comes not from the dentin, but from plaque build-up.
