If you are looking for a dental service that offers quality teeth whitening procedures, you’ve come to the right place. Mawson Dental Care offers effective teeth whitening treatments in Canberra.

tooth whitening of yellow teeth before and after

Have you ever been shocked to look in the mirror and notice that your teeth have become yellow or stained? Yellow teeth can happen gradually, making it simple to ignore.

Good thing, having yellow teeth is not serious at all. And it is possible to get your bright smile back in no time.

In this article, we will share the common causes that contribute to tooth discoloration and what you can do to avoid them.

Why Is My Teeth Yellow?

There are many possible reasons why your teeth may turn yellow, including ageing, smoking, poor dental hygiene, medication, and illness, among many others. Let’s go through the most common ones.

Tooth Discoloration in Adult Teeth

Age

The overall aging process makes the teeth’s outer layer of enamel wear away, exposing the dentin’s natural colour which is pale yellow.

Smoking

The nicotine and tar in tobacco can primarily cause the stains on your teeth. It can quickly turn your teeth yellow, but if you smoke a lot, it can almost make your teeth completely brown.

Poor Dental Hygiene

Not cleaning your teeth well enough to get rid of stains and plaque can cause yellow teeth and extrinsic stain.

Dental Materials

Some dental materials, particularly those containing silver sulfide, like amalgam restorations, can discolour teeth, giving it a grayish-black tint.

Medication

When administered to young infants whose teeth are still forming, other medications particularly antibiotics tetracycline and doxycycline may cause children’s teeth to turn yellow even before they reach 8 years old.

Moreover, teeth stains can also be caused by mouthwash formulas that may contain cetylpyridinium chloride and chlorhexidine. Antihistamines (like Benadryl) and drugs for high blood pressure, as well as mental drugs, can also potentially stain teeth.

Illness

Tooth discolouration can be caused by a number of illnesses that affect the part of the tooth beneath the enamel called dentin.

Some health treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation as well as certain infections during pregnancy can impair the formation of baby teeth’s enamel, resulting in tooth discolouration.

Genetics

Genetics play a role in having yellow teeth. While others have the normal white, natural teeth colour, some people were born to have thicker enamel or teeth that appears intrinsically yellow than others.

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.

Can You Fix Yellow Teeth Naturally?

 

Tooth Brushing

Absolutely! There are many different ways to fix yellow teeth naturally. Let’s cover some of the most effective methods and techniques that can help you get a brighter, whiter smile without harsh chemicals.

Try Oil Pulling

According to some reports, coconut oil pulling helps whiten teeth by removing plaque and bacteria from the mouth. As plaque buildup contributes primarily to yellowing teeth, coconut oil pulling as a whitening method can significantly reduce tooth discolouration.

Coconut oil is naturally safe to use and consume. Thus, you may use it regularly as long as you want, just make sure to buy one that is high-quality, organic, and free from harmful chemicals and impurities.

Further, more research is needed to establish the extent to which coconut oil pulling may help whiten the teeth.

Apply Baking Soda to Your Brushes

As a known cleaning agent and abrasive, baking soda can help brighten your tooth stains and remove your dental plaque causing tooth decay. Every time you brush your teeth, dab a little baking soda on your toothbrush to remove surface stains easily.

While some people worry that teeth wears with baking soda, multiple studies show that doing so is safe. Baking soda is even effective in fighting off bacteria causing tooth decay. However, because it lacks fluoride, it may be less effective in preventing cavities.

Use Hydrogen Peroxide

Known as another bleaching agent in removing stains, Hydrogen Peroxide can also be an effective solution in whitening teeth. Apparently, it works by penetrating through the tooth layers and breaking down plaque buildup and extrinsic teeth stains.

To achieve the best whitening solution, you can mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda and brush it for 1 to 2 minutes daily.

However, there may be some instances where hydrogen peroxide can trigger teeth sensitivity, so it shouldn’t be used over an extended period of time by those who already have sensitive teeth.

Use a Teeth Whitener

If good dental practices and whitening toothpaste doesn’t work for your tooth discoloration then you might want to try using teeth whitener methods recommended by your dentists.

Some dentists may offer teeth whitening trays which can whiten your yellow teeth by one or two shades in just a few days. This teeth whitening technique involves wearing a custom-fitted tray filled with bleaching gel. For whiter results, wear it overnight or wear it daily at least 2 to 4 hours each day.

However, if you prefer simple whitening solutions, whitening strips and whitening gel are also effective and affordable over-the-counter options to use at home.

If you are choosing tooth whitening products on your own, it is important to look for products containing 10% carbamide peroxide as these are recommended safe by the American Dental Association (ADA).

Brush Your Teeth Regularly

One of the first things to do when you want to treat yellow teeth is to brush your teeth more frequently and ensure that it is done correctly. You might not notice it but poor brushing habits can actually lead to tooth staining.

If not using enough toothpaste lead to teeth stain caused by plaque buildup, too much fluoride can also cause dental fluorosis, a staining of the teeth typically accompanied by opaque white markings, lines, or mottled enamel and inadequate mineralisation.

After eating, wait for at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. Preferably, use an ample amount of your trusted whitening toothpaste brand.

Brushing your teeth regularly not only prevents building up of plaque related gingivitis but it also promotes a healthy teeth for a brighter smile.

Avoid Foods that Stain Teeth

One of the most common causes of stained teeth is eating certain foods that are highly acidic. Foods and drinks such as wine, tea, coffee, soda, and other dark drinks contain tannin, which can cause your enamel layer to wear away.

By avoiding certain foods that causes stained teeth, you can stop your discolored teeth from worsening. If possible, stay away from consuming too much soda, citrus fruits, and even coffee.

As recommended by dentists, you should also wait at least 30 minutes after eating before brushing your teeth as the acids you consumed can harm your enamel and weaken it. So if you are worried about having yellow stains on your teeth, the best option is to avoid foods and drinks that are highly acidic and starchy.

Avoid Smoking

Nicotine in cigarettes can also chronically cause staining of the teeth. Not only that, but smoking and chewing tobacco excessively can also lead to tooth decay, or worse, result to periodontal diseases such as gum disease. If your yellow teeth is worsening and already turns brown, it might be a sign that you are already developing a gum infection.

It might be difficult for you to avoid it especially if you are a heavy smoker, but if you are getting alarmed by the stains in your teeth or if you are trying to whiten your teeth and want to practice good oral hygiene, it is now the time for you to quit smoking.

Increase Your Calcium Intake

Teeth is largely made up of calcium, and the substance that makes up our tooth enamel is called calcium phosphate. In other words, our teeth contains the highest amount of calcium our body has aside from its bones.

By getting enough calcium in our diet, we are also ensuring that our teeth is protected from all sorts of bacteria and acid which could cause tooth discoloration. If you are not lactose intolerant, eating dairy products can help increase your calcium intake.

Basically, acids are the main sources of bacteria in the mouth. However, with sufficient levels of Calcium, the outer layer of our enamel is strengthened and shielded against the bacteria that dissolves the enamel’s minerals. Along with other minerals like fluoride and phosphorus, calcium in your saliva can help repair the harm caused by acid.

Keep a Good Oral Hygiene Routine

One of the best and most natural tooth whitening method is to keep a good dental health. This includes regular brushing, garggling with mouthwash, and basically protecting your teeth from bacteria buildup, chemicals, and acids.

By keeping your teeth healthy, you are not only avoiding tooth discolouration but you are also preventing yourself from having oral problems in the future.

How Do I Get My Yellow Teeth White Again?

Having yellow teeth is something many people experience, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. Depending on the cause, there are many home remedies for whitening your teeth.

However most of the time, these are not enough. That’s why you should seek an experienced dental professional to help you find the best course of treatment in making your teeth whiter.

At Mawson Dental Care, we provide a range of tooth whitening options for you. If you are looking for trusted professionals who can help you get your pearly whites back in no time, give us a call to book an appointment.