This blog post will address the topic, “can yellow teeth become white” and cover topics like what causes yellowing of teeth, how can yellow teeth become white again, correct ways to brush your teeth to prevent staining and natural remedies to get rid of yellow teeth.
Can Yellow Teeth Become White?
Yes. Yellow teeth can become white again by undergoing the whitening process as recommended by your dentist and your dental hygienist.
At-home whitening procedures can help get rid of yellow teeth when combined with in-office whitening procedures.
What Causes Yellowing Of Teeth?
There are multiple causes of yellowing of teeth, categorised under tooth discoloration.
Tooth discoloration is when the color of your teeth change from white to yellow to darker colors, either due to extrinsic or intrinsic causes or ageing.
Extrinsic causes of tooth discoloration are those caused by objects or factors outside your body. These may include foods and drinks, tobacco use and poor dental hygiene.
Intrinsic causes of tooth discoloration include factors that originate within your oral cavity or body. These may be associated with your genetics, certain types of medications, excessive fluoride intake or any type of dental injury.
Intrinsic tooth discoloration is discoloration within the dentin, has a pulpal or systemic origin and is much more permanent when compared to extrinsic teeth discoloration.
Some of the potential causes of tooth discolouration or yellowing of teeth are:
Coffee, Tea And Wine
Coffee, Tea and Wine are known to cause teeth stains and yellowing of teeth.
Tannins, a type of organic substance found in coffee, tea and wine, build up on the tooth enamel and result in yellowing of teeth.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Not brushing your teeth daily after every meal or at least 2 times for two minutes each as recommended by ADA, may lead to plaque accumulation and tartar formation.
Plaque, calculus or tartar causes yellowing of teeth and also increases the risk of periodontal diseases.
Chromogenic bacteria have also been reported to cause stains on your teeth commonly at the gingival margin of the tooth.
Bad Habits: Tobacco Use
Tobacco in any form causes discoloration of teeth. Discoloration caused by tobacco is not yellow but more dark brown or black.
Medications
Medications like Chlorhexidine, tetracycline and phenolic mouth rinses cause yellow discoloration of teeth.
According to a review published in the International Journal Of Dental Hygiene, Chlorhexidine mouthwash resulted in more significant tooth discoloration compared to chlorhexidine gel.
Tetracycline discoloration occurs below the gum line most commonly involving the anterior teeth, in children exposed to tetracycline during pregnancy or during the early years of tooth development.
Tetracycline also causes tooth discoloration in some adults but these stains are not permanent as in children.
Genetic And Metabolic Disorders
Metabolic disorders like hyperbilirubinemia cause yellowing of teeth.
Genetic disorders like amelogenesis imperfecta, dentin dysplasia and epidermolysis bullosa also result in yellowing of teeth.
Dental Injury
Injury in early childhood may disturb the tooth germ and can be one of the causes of tooth discoloration and yellowing of teeth.
Trauma in adulthood may also lead to discoloration of teeth.
Dental Materials
Dental materials such as composite and GIC lead to yellowish discoloration of the teeth.
Ageing
As you grow older, the outer layer of teeth called enamel wears and the inner dentin is exposed, revealing an off-white appearance.
Excessive Fluoride
Fluoride in adequate amounts is crucial for healthy and strong teeth.
However, excessive fluoride from environmental sources such as high fluoride content in the local water supply or from excessive use of fluoride containing toothpaste and mouthrinses can cause teeth discoloration.
How Can Yellow Teeth Become White?
The following mentioned points explains the best way to get white teeth again:
Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene
Daily brushing your teeth at least 2 to 3 times can help whiten your teeth by reducing or removing plaque accumulation.
Visiting your dentist every 6 months will also help you to keep check of all your oral problems and conditions that can lead to yellowing of your teeth.
Take Professional Help
Visit your dentist or dental hygienist and get their help in getting brighter, whiter teeth.
Ultrasonic scaling and cleaning, rotary polishing with an abrasive prophylactic paste, or air-jet polishing with an abrasive powder can help remove some of the extrinsic stains.
Enamel microabrasion along with bleaching can help in removal of superficial intrinsic tooth discoloration that is caused by fluorosis and orthodontic brackets.
Home Bleaching
At-home bleaching is quite popularly known to reduce the yellow stain and help you get whiter teeth.
Whitening Strips And Whitening Toothpastes
Whitening strips containing hydrogen peroxide offer an at-home alternative to whiten the stained teeth.
Whitening toothpastes, containing 1% or less peroxide, are minimally effective.
However, darker stains can be successfully removed using a combination of in-office and at-home procedures.
Over-The-Counter Whitening Gels
Whitening gels are peroxide-based gels applied directly to the teeth surface with a small brush.
Whitening Rinses
Whitening rinses are among the newest whitening products available.
Whitening rinses apart from whitening the teeth, also results in fresh breath and prevention of plaque accumulation.
Tray-based teeth whiteners
Tray-based teeth whitening systems can be purchased either over-the-counter or from a dentist,
It is similar to a mouth-guard tray but has peroxide as a bleaching agent.
No Tobacco And Less Of Coffee or Tea Consumption
No tobacco and less coffee or tea consumption will help reduce the stain on teeth produced by them.
Correct Way To Brush Your Teeth To Prevent Yellow Staining
Here is how you can brush your teeth in 2 mins with correct technique, avoid over-brushing and abrasion and get whiter, stain free teeth:
- Use a small amount of water to lubricate your brush.
- Put a small, pea-size amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush head.
- At about a 45-degree angle to your gums , place the toothbrush into your mouth
- Use gentle, short strokes to brush your front teeth.
- Brush the outside surfaces as well as the back molars and upper areas of your chewing surfaces.
- Brush the inside surfaces of both top and bottom front teeth by flipping your toothbrush upside down.
- Brush your tongue to get rid of any bacteria or plaque.
- Spit out the remnants of toothpaste, saliva, and water into a clean sink.
- Rinse your mouth with cold water and you are done.
5 Natural Remedies To Get Rid Of Yellow Teeth
Homemade Toothpaste Containing Baking Soda And Hydrogen Peroxide
Homemade toothpaste containing 1 tablespoon baking soda mixed with 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide, helps to reduce yellowing of the teeth.
A study reported toothpaste containing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to be effective in reducing tooth staining and improving whiteness.
Vitamin C
Some studies have reported vitamin C to reduce periodontitis and thereby reducing discoloration of teeth. However, further research is required to confirm these reports.
Add Fruit Enzymes To Toothpaste
According to a study, papain enzyme from the papaya fruit and bromelain enzyme from pineapples play a significant role in reducing tooth stains when added to toothpaste.
Whitening Effect Of Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar when used in small quantities may prove to be an effective whitener for your teeth.
However, in large quantities or regular use may harm the tooth by eroding away the enamel.
Coconut Oil Rinse
A study concluded coconut oil pulling or swishing in the mouth to be an effective way to reduce plaque buildup on the teeth resulting in lighter shade on your teeth.
Conclusion
This blog post addressed the question, “can yellow teeth become white”. We understood what causes yellowing of teeth, how can yellow teeth become white again, correct ways to brush your teeth to prevent staining and natural remedies to get rid of yellow teeth.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs): Can Yellow Teeth Become White
Are yellow teeth permanent?
No. Yellow teeth can be made whiter by a combination of in-office bleaching with help of dental professionals and at-home self bleaching methods.
There are many reasons for your teeth turning yellow. It may be due to thinning of enamel and dentin due to regular and continuous aggressive brushing, or smoking or tobacco chewing, or staining from tea and coffee, or excess use of fluoride.
Can you reverse yellow teeth by brushing?
Brushing can help reduce the yellowish discoloration or stain on your teeth by removing the plaque that builds up and leads to yellowish stain.
However, if the yellowing of teeth is due to any intrinsic cause then you may require bleaching or tooth whitening treatments.
It is always better to consult your dentist or dental hygienist for the same.
You must also give up on coffee and tea and drinks and food that cause staining and give up smoking or any form of tobacco.
How can I make my yellow teeth permanently white?
To whiten teeth quickly and permanently you can use homemade toothpaste containing 1 tablespoon baking soda mixed with 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide that helps to reduce yellowing of the teeth.
It is advised to use the homemade paste combination only a few times per week to avoid erosion and weakening of your tooth enamel.
How long does it take for yellow teeth to go back to white?
It takes about 1-2 weeks for teeth with a natural yellow shade to go back to white, whereas teeth with a blue or grey or darker shade can take twice as long.
The whitening procedure you are using, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in your product and the frequency with which you are using the product, all these factors determine the time it will take for yellow teeth to go back to white.
Are yellow teeth healthy?
Yellow teeth may be due to your genetics and therefore can be perfectly healthy.
Some people have darker dentin genetically that gives their teeth off-white or yellowish appearance.
However, if the yellowing of teeth has gradually occurred or is due to any injury or medications or may be due to continuous enamel abrasion, then it is not too healthy.
References:
- Manuel, S. T., P. Abhishek, and M. Kundabala. “Etiology of tooth discoloration-a review.” Etiology of tooth discoloration-a review 18.2 (2010): 56-63.
- Tooth Discoloration. (2020)
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tooth-discoloration
- Tooth Discoloration
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/tooth-discoloration
- Whitening Yellow Teeth. Colgate. (2020)
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/teeth-whitening/top-tips-on-how-to-whiten-yellow-teeth
- Tooth Discoloration Treatment & Management. (2020)
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1076389-treatment
- Natural Remedies. (2018)
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321172#natural-remedies
- Chakravarthy P, Acharya S. Efficacy of extrinsic stain removal by novel dentifrice containing papain and bromelain extracts. J Young Pharm. 2012;4(4):245-249. doi:10.4103/0975-1483.104368
- Ghassemi A, Hooper W, Vorwerk L, Domke T, DeSciscio P, Nathoo S. Effectiveness of a new dentifrice with baking soda and peroxide in removing extrinsic stain and whitening teeth. J Clin Dent. 2012;23(3):86-91.
- Baik, Un-Bong, et al. “Teeth discoloration during orthodontic treatment.” The Korean Journal of Orthodontics 47.5 (2017): 334-339.
- Int J Dent Hygiene 13, 2015; 83– 92. DOI: 10.1111/idh.12078 Supranoto, SC, Slot, DE, Addy, M, Van der Weijden, GA. The effect of chlorhexidine dentifrice or gel versus chlorhexidine mouthwash on plaque, gingivitis, bleeding and tooth discoloration.
- Tetracycline. (2021)
https://www.healthline.com/health/tetracycline-teeth#teeth-effects
- Home remedies to get rid of yellow teeth. (2018)
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321172
FAQs
Can yellow teeth become white treatment? ›
Yellow teeth can be completely whitened with teeth whitening technologies at the dentist or at home. Depending on the status of your yellow teeth as well as your needs, the doctor will advise and prescribe the appropriate method.
Can yellow teeth turn white again? ›What Can Be Done to Whiten Yellow Teeth? If you're looking for a radical change in the coloring of your teeth, you need professional-grade whitening to get the job done. Your cosmetic dentist can provide treatment that penetrates deep into the enamel and removes years of stains with a powerful bleaching agent.
Can your teeth go from yellow to white by brushing? ›Tooth Brushing Isn't Meant to Whiten Teeth
Brushing twice a day (or more if recommended by a dentist) is essential, as it removes plaque and prevents cavities. The bristle action of a toothbrush won't whiten teeth, though, and even whitening toothpastes can only have a limited effect on the surface of teeth.
Fortunately, if your teeth are stained or yellowed, professional teeth whitening can help restore their natural colour.
Are yellow teeth permanent? ›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.
How long will it take yellow teeth to turn white? ›Whitening toothpaste contains enzymes that eliminate stains while brushing your teeth. If you do this twice a day, results can range anywhere from two to six weeks.
How long does it take for yellow teeth to turn white with toothpaste? ›When used twice a day, whitening toothpaste can take from two to six weeks to make teeth appear whiter. Whitening toothpastes that contain blue covarine can have an immediate effect.
Can yellow teeth get better? ›Many people find that using a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide helps to get rid of yellow tooth stains. The paste should contain only one tablespoon of baking soda and one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide. Always thoroughly rinse your mouth after you have used the paste.
Are yellow teeth unattractive? ›Yellow or discolored teeth can be unattractive causing teeth to look prematurely aged, or dirty. Patients with discolored teeth may feel embarrassed of their smile and hide their smile in photos or while laughing. White, bright smiles can help patients feel more confident in professional and personal interactions.
Why are my yellow teeth turning white? ›Demineralization creates white spots of decalcified enamel on teeth due to long-term bacteria buildup in the mouth and consequent mineral loss of the tooth. Thus, white spots that form due to demineralization may indicate tooth decay. 2.
How do you reverse yellow teeth? ›
Use Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda
Using this mixture removes bacteria and buildup of plaque to get rid of surface stains. Create a hydrogen peroxide and baking soda paste and use it to brush your teeth. After that, use water to rinse the mouth. You can also create a mouthwash using equal amounts of each ingredient.
“Some people have very white enamel―the thin coating on the surface of teeth―while other people's enamel has a more yellow hue,” says Richard Price, a dentist in Newton, Massachusetts, and a spokesperson for the American Dental Association. Environmental factors play a role, too.
Are yellow teeth rotting? ›Many people notice that their teeth are more yellow near the gum line than the tips of their teeth. While a yellow hue near the gum line can be an early sign of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems—it is usually an indication of dental plaque or tartar.
What causes extremely yellow teeth? ›Some of the most common causes of tooth discoloration include drinking beverages such as coffee, tea, and wine. These substances get into the enamel of your teeth and can cause long-term discoloration. Smoking: Smoking is one of the top causes of yellow or brown teeth, and stains from smoking can be stubborn.
What color should healthy teeth be? ›Natural Enamel Thickness & Translucency
Enamel is on the surface of every tooth and it has a natural hue of white. However, the underlying dentin layer has a slightly yellowish color. This yellowish hue shows through the enamel in almost everyone, but more so for those with naturally thinner or more translucent enamel.
You know teeth can turn yellow from staining due to coffee, tea, and tobacco, but may be unaware of all of the other causes of tooth discoloration. Sometimes the color is temporary, while other times there is a chemical change in the composition of teeth that causes permanent discoloration.
Will my teeth ever Whiten? ›Yes, it is possible. Your dentist can re-whiten your teeth in the dental office. But you can also do it at home if you have custom-made bleaching trays and whitening gels. You will be able to whiten your teeth as often as you need to.
Is it too late to whiten teeth? ›Teeth whitening treatment is a big step towards a more confident, happier you, and it's never too late to bring out those pearly whites!
Why won't my yellow teeth whiten? ›If your teeth have biofilm or plaque buildup, this can prevent the bleaching agent from reaching the target stains. Before considering any teeth whitening treatment, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment for a dental cleaning. These cleanings remove all signs of biofilm and plaque on the surface of your teeth.
How long does it take to Unstain yellow teeth? ›For about two to six weeks, you can use dentist-recommended whitening toothpaste and brush twice a day. You can use a certified whitening mouthwash which usually takes about three months to produce visible results. Whitening strips are the most compelling in-house treatments that last up to six months.
Why are my teeth yellow when I brush them everyday? ›
Consuming Certain Foods and Drinks
“Certain foods that are high in tannins, such as red wine, are potential causes of yellow teeth,” notes Crest. Other teeth-staining foods include coffee, citrus fruits and juices, soft drinks, teas, berries, tomato-based sauces, curry, balsamic vinegar, and soy sauce.
Your dentist can also give you a take-home whitening kit. These kits contain a bleach that can remove deeper stains than the over the counter products found in stores, and may eventually return teeth to their naturally white shade.
Does yellow teeth means its strong? ›Non-White or Yellow Teeth are Unhealthy
Teeth whitening treatments usually work by stripping or entering the outer enamel layer, which makes teeth weaker if done many times. So, more often than not, yellow teeth are actually stronger than pearly white ones–so long as they're cleaned regularly.
Your romantic life. In our modern day of internet dating and blind date setups, first impressions can be a big, big deal. That said, few people include “canary yellow teeth” on their list of turn-ons. In fact, both men and women commonly find yellow teeth a turn-off at best and a deal breaker at worst.
What do dentists say about yellow teeth? ›Bad oral hygiene, tobacco products, certain medications, certain foods and beverages, and the aging process can all cause discoloration or yellowing of teeth. If the yellow color is coming from plaque or tartar buildup, then it goes without saying that your teeth are not in great condition.
Are yellow teeth genetic? ›Genetics Can Affect the Appearance of the Teeth
And in fact, genetics can impact the color of a person's teeth. Thicker, whiter enamel can run in families, just as more transparent tooth enamel can be inherited. Many people have genetically yellow teeth that don't respond well to store-bought whiteners or toothpastes.
Myth: A yellow color means your teeth are unhealthy
While it's true that plaque buildup can amplify yellow tones in the teeth, having yellow teeth does not necessarily mean your teeth aren't healthy.
Using a paste made of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide is said to remove plaque buildup and bacteria to get rid of stains. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after brushing with this paste.
How do celebrities get teeth so white? ›Porcelain Veneers
These are very popular amongst celebrities because of their incredible results. Veneers are thin, strong shells that are custom-made from dental porcelain to cover the front surface of your teeth. They can fix small cracks, chips, gaps, and discoloration all at once.
Veneers: If you see celebrities with perfectly white, straight, and uniform-looking teeth, they likely have veneers. Unlike teeth whitening, veneers are more permanent. There are various types of materials used, but porcelain and composite are the most common types.
Why do people look better with white teeth? ›
A study has confirmed what we already know – that a white and evenly spaced set of teeth makes people seem more attractive. But it has also explained the reason. It is because teeth are the human equivalent of a peacock's tail – a sign of health and genetic quality designed to help choose a mate.
How can I permanently fix yellow teeth? ›If you're keen to transform a yellow smile to brilliantly pearly white fast, your best option is to see your dental professional for an in-office whitening treatment. Your dental professional will use a whitener with a strong concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
How do dentists fix yellow teeth? ›- Scale and polish teeth. Professional dental cleaning is one of the simplest and quickest ways to treat yellowing or stained teeth. ...
- Tooth whitening. ...
- Composite bonding or porcelain veneers.
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
Using a toothpaste containing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide may help reduce yellowing of the teeth. A 2012 study found that using a toothpaste containing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide reduces tooth staining and improves whiteness.
Tired of using teeth whitening strips, or going to the dentist for whitening treatments? Then dental veneers are an option that you should consider. Dental veneers are a great way to permanently whiten your teeth, so no more white strips and no need for whitening treatments.
Why do my teeth turn yellow so easily? ›As we age, our enamel thins from years of wear and eventually exposes the yellowish color of dentin. Others' teeth may be yellow simply because of genetics or by inheriting dentinogenesis imperfecta and amelogenesis imperfecta, which causes teeth to develop improperly.
Why do teeth get yellow so easily? ›Frequently drinking wine, tea, or coffee and eating certain staining foods affects the shade of your tooth enamel. These foods and beverages leave color particles on your tooth's surface that penetrate your tooth enamel over time, leaving you with yellow or dull-looking teeth.
Can yellow teeth be cleaned? ›Using a paste made of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide is said to remove plaque buildup and bacteria to get rid of stains. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after brushing with this paste.
Does yellow teeth mean enamel gone? ›Discoloration. As the enamel erodes and more dentin is exposed, the teeth may appear yellow. Cracks and chips. The edges of teeth become more rough, irregular, and jagged as enamel erodes.
How much does it cost to fix yellow teeth? ›The cost of teeth whitening can vary quite significantly from product to product, procedure to procedure. Professional, in-office teeth whitening is the most expensive option with a national average of $650 per visit (pricing can vary between $500 to $1,000).
Are yellow teeth stronger? ›
Non-White or Yellow Teeth are Unhealthy
Teeth whitening treatments usually work by stripping or entering the outer enamel layer, which makes teeth weaker if done many times. So, more often than not, yellow teeth are actually stronger than pearly white ones–so long as they're cleaned regularly.
A calcium deficiency in your diet can also cause intrinsic tooth discoloration because you need plenty of calcium for healthy, white teeth. If you've undergone certain medical treatments such as chemotherapy, you may also develop intrinsic tooth stains.
Why wont my teeth whiten? ›If your teeth have biofilm or plaque buildup, this can prevent the bleaching agent from reaching the target stains. Before considering any teeth whitening treatment, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment for a dental cleaning. These cleanings remove all signs of biofilm and plaque on the surface of your teeth.
How do celebrities keep their teeth white? ›Porcelain Veneers
These are very popular amongst celebrities because of their incredible results. Veneers are thin, strong shells that are custom-made from dental porcelain to cover the front surface of your teeth. They can fix small cracks, chips, gaps, and discoloration all at once.
The approach maintains you can make your teeth whiter and brighter using household staples that are naturally acidic (like lemons, oranges, apple cider vinegar), contain digestive enzymes (such as pineapple or mango) and something that is abrasive (like baking soda).