Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. A brilliant smile can help you make friends, be more successful in the workplace, and feel confident. Something as common as yellow teeth can make you self-conscious and leave your smile looking less than its best. Here are some reasons why you might have yellow teeth even if you brush religiously every day.
Is it normal to have yellow teeth even if you brush every day?
It is not normal but it is common to have yellow teeth even if you brush every day. The most common cause of yellow teeth is plaque (a sticky material that contains bacteria and coats the surface of your teeth). The presence of plaque indicates that your oral hygiene is not up to the mark. However, many other things can cause yellowing of your teeth besides poor oral hygiene, such as:
- Certain foods and drinks that contain tannins (red wine is a frequent culprit, as are coffee, tea, citrus fruits, berries, tomato sauces, soy sauce, and vinegars).
- Smoking can stain your teeth and turn them yellow. The tar and nicotine in tobacco products can leave you with yellowed teeth in a very short amount of time. You don’t need to smoke for years to get yellow teeth.
- Genetics can also affect the color of your teeth. Some people have thicker and whiter enamel while others have a naturally yellowish tinge to their teeth.
- Age can cause yellow teeth due to wearing away of the enamel which is white, exposing the underlying dentin which is yellow in color (here’s some information about the different parts of a tooth).
- Certain medications can cause tooth discoloration as a side effect, for example, antihistamines, antihypertensives (medications used to treat high blood pressure), and antipsychotics (used to treat psychiatric conditions).
Can yellowed teeth become white again?
Yes, yellow teeth can become white again. If you want dramatic results, it’s best to consult a dentist and have professional teeth whitening (read how long teeth whitening lasts). You can also consider getting dental veneers that can transform your appearance and smile by addressing concerns like yellow teeth. Veneers consist of a thin layer of porcelain that sits on the outer surface of your teeth.
How do you get rid of yellow teeth after brushing?
If you’re not quite ready for professional treatments, you can try home remedies to get rid of yellow teeth that are from surface stains. A common method is mixing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to make a paste and brushing your teeth with it, then using water to rinse your mouth. Other options include oil pulling or rinsing with a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar. Charcoal toothpaste is yet another option. But remember that these methods are not scientifically proven and may cause damage if not done properly. It’s a good idea to check with your dentist before using any home remedy or over-the-counter teeth whitening kit.
How to stop my teeth from turning yellow?
Here are some tips to minimize yellowing of teeth:
- Brush twice a day for 2 minutes each time.
- Floss daily to clean between your teeth.
- Choose the right toothpaste. Talk to your dentist about which whitening toothpaste may be appropriate for you.
- Limit the intake of foods and drinks that can stain your teeth yellow.
- Rinse your mouth with water after drinking acidic drinks, juices, lemonade, coffee, tea, or red wine.
- Stop smoking.
If you continue to have yellow teeth despite your best efforts at dental hygiene and lifestyle changes, make an appointment to see your dentist. There may be something else going on that needs to be treated. Express Dentist has a nationwide network of dentists and we will be happy to connect you to a professional in your area.
About the author
Dr. Greg Grillo
Dr. Greg Grillo DDS studied at the University of Washington where he received a bachelors degree with Honors and later attended dental school on the same campus. Following school Dr. Greg served in the United States Navy as a dental officer. During this time he received advanced training in specialty areas of dentistry while also treating families of members of the military.
As well as sharing valuable information on dentistry and oral health, Dr. Greg remains a practicing dentist to this day. He works with families in the Okanogan Valley where he lives with his wife and three children.
