People have the common misconception that teeth should be perfectly white, but this isn’t the case. Even if you diligently brush your teeth twice a day, every single day, there are a couple of reasons why your teeth may not be as white as you would like them to be. Our team at Somba Kè Family Dental has put together this article so that you can find out why your teeth aren’t pearly white and find advice on how to make them whiter.
#1 Teeth Aren’t Naturally White
To begin, any dentist near you will tell you that your teeth are not naturally white. Even if your teeth were to never come into contact with staining agents, they are naturally off-white and would still appear that way.
The portion of your tooth visible above the gum line is made of enamel and dentin. Dentin is the hard tissue that makes up the majority of your tooth’s structure, and it is encased in protective enamel. Both of these structures can cause your teeth to appear discolored.
#2 Teeth Are Stained
Most of the time, teeth become stained from the substances that individuals eat and drink, as well as other lifestyle choices.
Smoking is a large culprit when it comes to stained teeth, but it isn’t the only cause. Regular ingestion of berries, coffee, red wine, and cola can all cause teeth staining. Sometimes, even prescription medications and fluoride can cause staining.
Even if you brush your teeth daily, your teeth will likely stain over time if you regularly consume dark-colored substances.
#3 Brushing Isn’t Designed to Whiten Teeth
Brushing your teeth is meant to remove harmful bacteria and plaque but not to whiten them. As recommended by your dentist, brushing twice a day is vital because it prevents cavities and tooth decay. Brushing alone will not whiten your teeth, though, and even whitening toothpaste only has a minimal effect on your teeth.
Over-The-Counter Whitening Options
There are many options for over-the-counter teeth whitening in Yellowknife. These products can offer some benefits, but they are often extremely limited in what they can do to whiten your smile.
Whitening strips, toothpastes, and mouthwashes can only affect surface enamel and thus only get surface-level stains out. Additionally, many over-the-counter whitening treatments do not offer even results, and patients end up with patchy teeth.
Overuse of over-the-counter whitening products can do more harm than good since many of them can damage your tooth enamel when used improperly.
Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments
The best and safest way to get a whiter, brighter smile is to visit a dental clinic in Yellowknife for professional teeth whitening near you.
Depending on your teeth and desired appearance, there are several recommendations that your dentist might make. For example, you may be offered an in-office bleaching treatment or be given custom-made whitening trays to use at home. Both options will provide you with an enhanced, radiant smile, and you can rest assured that you will receive quick, safe, and long-lasting results.
If you are interested in learning more about achieving whiter teeth in a safe and effective manner, contact our team at Somba Ké Family Dental. Our dentists know what whitening treatments will work best for your smile and are happy to assist you. Please contact us to book a consultation today!
FAQs
Regular ingestion of berries, coffee, red wine, and cola can all cause teeth staining. Sometimes, even prescription medications and fluoride can cause staining. Even if you brush your teeth daily, your teeth will likely stain over time if you regularly consume dark-colored substances.
Why are my teeth yellow even if I brush every day? ›
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.
Why are my teeth yellow when I have good hygiene? ›
Thin enamel is one possible cause of yellow teeth. Certain illnesses and medications can cause enamel to become thinner than it should be. Acids in foods and drinks can also erode enamel, particularly the highly corrosive acids in cola and other soft drinks.
Can yellow teeth become white again? ›
Fortunately, there are ways of making your yellow teeth white, from improving your oral hygiene and diet to visiting the dentist and having them professionally whitened. There's no need to feel ashamed of your smile anymore.
How do you get rid of yellow teeth after brushing? ›
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.
Why are my teeth so yellow no matter what I do? ›
Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor oral hygiene is one of the causes of yellow teeth, but even the most diligent brushers and flossers can develop the discolored teeth that occur simply with age. Fluoride: Excessive fluoride exposure is also among the causes of stained teeth, especially in children.
Why won't my yellow teeth whiten? ›
The natural color of teeth can vary due to various factors, including genetics, age, and lifestyle habits. Some individuals naturally have teeth that are darker or have a yellowish tint. These teeth may have a denser enamel layer or more pigmented dentin, making them more resistant to whitening treatments.
What vitamin deficiency causes yellow teeth? ›
In adults, low vitamin D status can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. Does vitamin D deficiency cause yellow teeth? Yes, vitamin D deficiency can show up as yellow teeth. Yellow or brown spots on teeth are a symptom of rickets, a condition caused by chronic low levels of vitamin D.
How to whiten yellow teeth naturally? ›
The following strategies may help whiten teeth:
- Making dietary changes. Eliminating foods that mark the teeth can prevent further staining. ...
- Trying oil pulling. ...
- Brushing with baking soda. ...
- Using hydrogen peroxide. ...
- Whitening with fruit. ...
- Chewing high fiber foods.
Other common reasons for yellow teeth include heredity, overexposure to fluoride, exposure to certain antibiotics at an early age or underlying health issues. For example, yellowed teeth can be a sign of celiac disease or certain nutritional deficiencies, according to MediResource Inc.
For your benefit, we've provided you with seven different ways to naturally whiten your teeth.
- Eat Strawberries. ...
- Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables. ...
- Brush After You Eat or Drink. ...
- Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
- Apply Coconut Oil. ...
- Brush Your Tongue. ...
- Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide.
Coffee, tea, colas, wines, and certain fruits and vegetables (for example, apples, and potatoes) can stain your teeth. Tobacco use. Smoking or chewing tobacco can stain teeth. Poor dental hygiene.
Can teeth be permanently yellow? ›
Age, injuries, trauma, medications, disease and genetics can all be causes for teeth discolouring and becoming yellow in colour. Yellow teeth caused by genetics, age, illness or injury are permanent and need professional dental attention to address.
Does salt water whiten teeth? ›
Saltwater can't whiten your teeth or improve your gum health like hydrogen peroxide can, but at least your teeth won't fall out while you wait for search and rescue.
How to turn yellow teeth white? ›
1 part of 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with 2 parts water makes an easy and affordable tooth-whitening mouthwash. Alternatively, create a paste using 3% hydrogen peroxide and baking soda and brush with this to remove yellow stains on teeth.
