Improving the Yellow in Teeth Stains
Having a white smile is possible for everyone. Millions of people use teeth whitening kits to achieve a bright, white smile. Before starting a whitening treatment, understanding the cause of yellow in teeth that make up your smile is important. Choosing the right whitening treatment for your teeth will help achieve faster results that last while protecting the enamel.
Table of Contents
Common Causes of Yellow in Teeth
There are many different shades of tooth color ranging from white, yellow, and grey hues. Understanding the cause of the teeth discoloration will help find what is best to whiten your smile. Common causes of yellow in teeth are:
- Tooth Anatomy: Most adult teeth are naturally yellow and grey shades. The color of the teeth is unique, just like hair and eye color.
- Tooth Staining: Natural and processed dyes are commonly added to foods and beverages. These can attach to the teeth and cause a yellow in teeth appearance.
- Calculus: Over time, plaque can build up and harden on the teeth if not removed daily with the toothbrush and floss. Calculus colors can range from yellow, brown, and black.
- Weakened Enamel: The teeth are made up of multiple layers, enamel being the outer protective layer. Compromised enamel can cause thinning of the outer layer and expose the inside yellow dentin layer.
- Exposed Roots: The roots of the teeth are darker than the enamel. When the gumline is pulled back and receded, the roots are exposed.
- Cavities: Tooth decay will cause discoloration of the teeth, especially when the cavity is large. Cavities will continue to grow when left untreated. Contact your dentist today if you think you have a cavity.
- Acid Erosion: Over time, acids will wear away at the enamel layer of the tooth and discolor it. Acids from foods, beverages, and stomach acid can all damage the teeth.
Whitening the Yellow in Teeth
Your natural tooth structure can range from yellow to grey hues. Yellow coloring accepts whitening easily and works with most whitening systems. Grey coloring is more challenging to whiten and usually requires professional help.
- The Process: Teeth are porous like sponges. The whitening agents open up the tooth’s tubules to get the intrinsic stain out (the inside coloring of the tooth). The active ingredient in whitening treatments reacts with stains and breakdown the bond. During this whitening process minimize any staining food and beverages.
Tooth whitening treatment will only work on natural tooth structures. They will not bleach fillings or restorations. Your dental professional can help match any restorations with the tooth shade you’re happy with.
For additional information on teeth whitening, check out our Teeth Whitening Treatment Guide and How to Help Sensitive Teeth After Whitening.
Preventing Yellow in Teeth
Maintaining a white smile and preventing yellow in teeth will help keep your smile strong. Preventative practices that help keep the teeth white are:
- Brushing with an electric toothbrush 2 times a day for 2 minutes and flossing at night.
- Drink staining beverages through a reusable straw.
- Frequent sips of water throughout the day will help wash away food, plaque, and bacteria.
- Professional dental cleanings at least every 6 months.
Check out our Top Tips for Whitening for more whitening tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get rid of yellow stains on my teeth?
First, see your dental hygienist for a professional dental cleaning to remove any tough staining, plaque, and calculus. Follow up with a teeth whitening kit either professionally done at the dentist or store-bought.
Can yellow teeth become white?
Everyone can achieve a bright, white smile. Teeth whitening kits will help most people brighten their smiles. Depending on the health of the tooth, working with a dentist and cosmetic restorations are needed to achieve a white smile.
Take Home Smile Store
Visit our Take Home Smile store for educational brochures and other fun printables to help with oral hygiene. All products can be customized to fit your dental needs.
