Even though ‘whiter teeth’ is often included as one of the benefits of regularly and thoroughly brushing your teeth, some people with yellow teeth won’t see improvements, even when they brush twice a day. In this blog, we’ll take you through the reasons why some people won’t ever be able to brush away the yellow, and let you know what Naenae Dental Clinic can do to help.
External and internal stains
In most cases, the common cause for tooth discolouration is external staining as a result of drinking coffee, tea, or wine, or from smoking and other tobacco use. Coffee, tea and wine are all very high in chromogens, which all stick to our teeth and will produce noticeable stains, while nicotine mixed with oxygen produces a yellow result that settles into tooth enamel, turning it yellow or brown over time. These external stains cannot be removed simply by brushing, and are one of the most common causes of tooth discolouration.On the other hand, if you’ve suffered trauma or injury to your teeth, you might be left with an internal stain that can’t be improved or removed by brushing. Internal stains normally result in a darker discolouration than the typical yellow stain caused by a beverage or nicotine. These stains are caused by bruising in the tooth and can result in a dark or grey tooth.
Habits and brushing
If your brushing habits are not up to scratch, this can make any stains or developing yellow teeth worse. Brushing twice a day is a minimum, but you have to make sure that you’re cleaning all your teeth to avoid issues. Using dental floss will also make sure that you reach the parts of your teeth that would otherwise go unattended and might be at greater risk.Be careful however, as brushing your teeth too harshly means you run the risk of eroding away your own enamel, which will reveal more of the dentin layer of your teeth and lead to discolouration. Soft tooth brushes are always recommended rather than medium or hard.
Ageing, genetics and health
It’s also entirely possible that, as you age, your enamel will slowly wear away and leave you with yellow teeth, even if you’ve kept up a healthy brushing regime. This can be exacerbated by the simple fact that, based on our genetics, some of us are born with an extremely thick layer of enamel, and some of us naturally have a very thin layer.Your overall health is also a factor in determining the colour of your teeth – in particular, issues such as nutritional deficiencies and treatments for cancer are likely to render your teeth yellow, regardless of your brushing and care.
Get whiter teeth today!
If you’re looking for an expert provider of cosmetic dentistry that offers the high-quality teeth whitening Wellington needs, Naenae Dental Clinic is an experienced and trusted dentist Wellington residents can rely on.For any external stains on teeth it is recommended you see a dental hygienist for a thorough clean and polish. Internal stains can be a little more stubborn and can be treated by your dentist with a variety of different whitening methods. For quality teeth whitening services and all their other regular dental needs, contact our clinic today or come down to see us at 9 Hillary Court in Naenae!
FAQs
The most common reason for yellow teeth despite daily brushing is incorrect brushing techniques. Inadequate removal of plaque causes staining. To brush correctly, reach every corner and brush for two minutes, twice daily. Brush the tongue to eliminate bacteria that cause bad breath and tooth discoloration.
Why are my teeth still yellow if I brush them everyday? ›
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.
Can yellow teeth be 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.
Why are my teeth still yellow after dental cleaning? ›
You may have a yellow bacterial film called ? plaque? that occurs naturally in mouth that can build up. If not removed it hardens to form tartar. Advise deep cleaning, polishing, whitening (bleaching) procedures, artificial enamel filling or capping.
How long does it take for yellow teeth to turn white from brushing? ›
How Long Does It Take Yellow Teeth To Turn White? If you opt for at-home products like dentist-recommended whitening toothpaste and brush twice daily, results can be seen in two to six weeks. There are many types of whitening toothpaste, and their effects can vary.
What vitamin deficiency causes yellow teeth? ›
In adults, low vitamin D status can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. 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.
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.
Why wont my yellow teeth go away? ›
Ageing, genetics and health. It's also entirely possible that, as you age, your enamel will slowly wear away and leave you with yellow teeth, even if you've kept up a healthy brushing regime.
Are yellow teeth healthy? ›
Non-White or Yellow Teeth are Unhealthy
This myth is peddled by firms which want us to spend a fortune on getting a perfect “movie star” smile. Although heavy staining and yellow plaque deposits aren't healthy, it's very possible for yellowish teeth to be absolutely clean and healthy.
How long does it take to fix yellow teeth? ›
Ideally, you will use an electric toothbrush to eliminate as much staining as possible. Use teeth whitening toothpaste two times per day and you might notice whiter teeth in as little as half a month's time. However, it could take upwards of a month and a half to produce meaningful results.
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.
How long does it take to brush away 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.
Does baking soda whiten teeth? ›
Baking soda can be used with some water to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. It can also be used with hydrogen peroxide to enhance its whitening effects. Baking soda can be used by individuals with regular toothpastes too. It is also used commercially in some teeth whitening products and toothpastes.
How to brighten 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.
Here are some common factors that can cause yellowing of teeth despite regular brushing: Diet: Consuming foods and beverages that are highly pigmented, such as coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and dark-colored sauces, can lead to staining over time. These stains can accumulate on the enamel, making teeth appear yellow.
Can you reverse yellow teeth by brushing? ›
Takeaway. It is natural for teeth to become slightly yellow as a person ages and their enamel becomes worn. Discoloration from plaque buildup can be reduced by regular brushing. Avoiding foods that may stain the teeth is also a good idea.
Are my teeth permanently yellow? ›
Although it takes years for teeth to take on a yellow hue, you may not have noticed this slow process taking place. You see your teeth every day and probably didn't notice the slight discoloration occurring. Thankfully, yellow teeth aren't forever.
Is it possible to brush away yellow teeth? ›
A 2018 study revealed that using whitening toothpaste can whiten your teeth. These kinds of toothpaste have mild abrasive that are tough on surface stains while being gentle enough for safety. For better results, use an electric brush to remove surface stains.
