Yellow Teeth – Reasons, Preventions, Solutions

Excerpt: Discoloration and stains can be prevented through proper oral care...

Posted on: June 15, 2022

Yellow Teeth

Yellow teeth can happen for a number of reasons, the stains can either be from food, beverages, underlying medical conditions, bacterial infection, and more.

Summary

Discoloration and stains can be prevented through proper oral care. However, it can also be brought on by genetics, medication, and other underlying issues.

Are you concerned about your whiteness of your teeth? Are yellow teeth getting you down? If so, you’re not alone! Yellow teeth can happen for a number of reasons, the stains can either be from food, beverages, underlying medical conditions, bacterial infection, and more. In this blog, we’ll cover the different causes of yellow teeth and offer natural remedies to whiten your teeth. So whether you’re looking to prevent yellow teeth in the first place or just want to stain-free smiles in the meantime, read on!

The Causes Of Yellow Teeth

There are many reasons why yellow teeth can happen, but the main culprits are tobacco use, coffee, tea, and soda, acid reflux, and a high-sugar diet. To prevent yellow teeth from happening in the first place, be sure to avoid smoking tobacco, drinking coffee, tea, and soda, and eating sugar-rich foods. If yellow teeth do develop, be sure to see your dentist get them treated.

Extrinsic Discoloration

1. Extrinsic (external) discoloration – This occurs from outside sources generally, your lifestyle will have the biggest impact on extrinsic discoloration, a few common sources include:

Smoking (Including marijuana)
Tobacco products
Wine
Dyed food
Sugary food

2. Extrinsic discoloration is usually superficial. Superficial (surface stains) can be treated with whitening toothpaste and other OTC products. DIY procedures can potentially reverse the discoloration as well.

Intrinsic Discoloration

1. Intrinsic discoloration (internal) – This discoloration is significantly more challenging to get rid of. It typically occurs because of these reasons:

Medication Use
Illness
Infection
Trauma
Aging

2. This form of discoloration will most likely have to be reversed with professional treatments.

How To Prevent Yellow Teeth

The best way to prevent teeth from changing color is to have consistent oral care. If you have consistent oral care, you will minimize the amount of time sugar will stay in your mouth. Starchy foods like bread are notorious for getting stuck between your teeth. Since these foods are also high in carbohydrates (sugar), the naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth will eat these foods and produce plaque, a colorless sticky film, which will eventually turn into tartar.

Some foods that you will want to avoid are:

Soda, energy drinks, sports drinks
Red wine
Coffee and tea
Dark sauces
Certain fruits

Many of these foods are rich in tannins. Tannins are bad for tooth stains because they are prone to sticking to the enamel on the teeth. Tannins also attract bacteria and carbohydrates which are all responsible to some degree for tooth discoloration. These foods also have strong pigmentation which can directly affect teeth and over time it may affect their color. If you do eat these foods regularly it is advisable to brush your teeth afterward as soon as you are able. Just eating these foods typically isn’t a problem, the issue often occurs as a result of overconsumption combined with poor oral care.

Tips to prevent yellow stains on teeth

Drink Colored Beverages Through A Straw

Certain beverages like alcohol and juice, etc. can affect your teeth negatively, drinking these through a straw can reduce their impact on your teeth because it will minimize their contact with your teeth. Recently it has become quite trendy to have reusable straws made from metal, so using metal straws will not only save your teeth, but they can benefit the environment as well.

Carry A Portable Oral Care Kit

It might seem like overkill, but this strategy can be incredibly effective at preventing stains on your teeth. You can buy travel-sized toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss at pharmacies and grocery stores. If you plan on going out for dinner or for a celebration, you can quickly clean your teeth after the meal. This will also help to prevent bad breath (halitosis), and it will save you the embarrassment of having something stuck in your teeth.

Avoid Nicotine

Nicotine is actually a colorless compound, but when it interacts with oxygen it can turn yellow. Tobacco also has a strong brown color which can lead to staining. Both smokeless and non-smokeless products are bad for your teeth and your health. If you are trying to quit, vaping can be an alternative to traditional tobacco products, however, vaping still contains nicotine, so it will have a negative effect on your teeth.

Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol has a number of issues that are negative for teeth. The pigmentation in wines and other drinks can cause immediate staining on your teeth. Alcohol also has tannins and sugars in it. To make matters worse, if we are drinking, we are usually eating unhealthy foods that are commonly found in bars and pubs. These foods are almost always high in carbohydrates. Cutting back on these types of activities will also benefit your overall health as well as your oral health.

Eat Healthy Snacks

If you do feel hungry throughout the day, eating foods like vegetables can have a number of benefits. They are good for your teeth since they will encourage the production of saliva. Saliva will help to keep your mouth clean, and the vegetables will also provide you with the vitamins and minerals that we all need.

Use Whitening Products

Whitening toothpaste has added abrasive material to help get rid of external stains on the teeth. This will not help get rid of all stains, however, it will help get rid of the more easily preventable stains. You can also use whitening mouthwash, these products are also optimized to get rid of external stains on your teeth.

Genetics Can Cause Yellow Stains On Teeth

There are some things that we cannot prevent, regardless of how meticulous we are with our health or lifestyle choices. Genetic conditions are one of these things we cannot prevent, there are multiple genetic conditions that can affect the health and color of your teeth:

Dentinogenesis imperfecta – Can cause grayish, transparent tooth enamel, and can also make the teeth weak and brittle.
Amelogenesis imperfecta – This condition can cause a yellow-brown color on the teeth, as well as a soft fragile enamel.

Other Common Discoloration Factors

Some other reasons for discoloration can include medical, or underlying conditions:

Antibiotics taken while children’s teeth are still developing
Prescription-strength mouthwash to treat gingivitis
Some acne medications
Antihistamines
Albuterol
Blood pressure medications
Age

You should check with your doctor or dentist to see if any of the medications you are on can cause your teeth to turn yellow.

Natural Remedies

If you’re noticing yellow teeth, it’s important to consult with a dentist. Surprisingly, tooth decay is one of the most common causes of discoloration of teeth. In fact, yellow teeth can be caused by a variety of factors, from smoking to oral hygiene practices. Fortunately, there are many natural remedies for yellow teeth available. Some of the most common include teas and topical creams. Additionally, avoid eating sugary foods and drinks, which can stain teeth and cause yellowing. If tooth decay is causing the discoloration, your dentist may recommend a variety of treatments, such as whitening toothpaste or tooth whitening treatments. Let’s take a look at some of the best yellow teeth remedies available.

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are two great tooth whitening ingredients that you can use at home. Baking soda is a natural ingredient that helps remove teeth stains and discolorations. It also works to clean your teeth of plaque and bacteria, making it an effective mouthwash. Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent whitening agent that can be used on teeth and gums as well as in mouthwash recipes to get rid of tooth discoloration. You can find both ingredients at your local pharmacy or grocery store

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential for oral health and teeth. Not only does it help to protect your teeth against decay, but taking good care of your oral hygiene routine will also result in healthy gums and tooth enamel. There are many natural ways to get your dose of vitamin C, including eating citrus fruits. However, if you’re not a fan of chewing fruit or don’t have access to fresh ones throughout the day, supplements can be a handy way to get the nutrient you need!

Dental remedies

It’s not hard to keep your teeth healthy and bright – brushing them twice a day and drinking plenty of fluids might enough to do the trick. However, in case you’re struggling to keep your teeth yellow-free, here are a few dental remedies you can try at home:

Use toothpaste that contains fluoride for better oral hygiene and brighter teeth.
Over-the-counter toothpaste can also help in preventing yellow teeth.
If the yellowing is severe, see a dentist for professional treatment or retirements.

Brushing frequently

It is very important to brush your teeth twice a day – morning and night! This will help to remove plaque buildup, which can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. Eating good foods that are high in fiber will also help you achieve this goal. Additionally, using a straw when drinking liquids will reduce the amount of toothpaste you need to use – making brushing easier and more efficient. If you’re experiencing any pain or problems with your teeth – such as sensitivity or difficulty chewing food properly- it’s best to see a dentist immediately!

Whitening toothpaste

There are toothpaste on the market that claim to whiten teeth. However, before investing in one, it is important to do your research and find a toothpaste that is right for you and your teeth. Some of the ingredients found in whitening toothpaste can be harmful if not used correctly. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid any adverse effects. Also, be sure to choose a toothpaste that matches your skin type and teeth-whitening goals. Take regular dental check-ups so you can monitor how well your teeth are progressing with whitening treatment!

Tray-based tooth whiteners

Tooth whitening is one of the most popular and trending topics these days. And for good reason – tray-based tooth whiteners are easy to use, require less time and effort than other types of whiteners, and are more affordable. The popularity of tray-based tooth whiteners comes as no surprise as they are more effective at removing teeth discoloration than those using liquid or gel forms. In addition, they work best when used on a regular basis in order to achieve the best results. If you’re looking for a way to get your teeth whiter without all the fuss, then go for a tray-based tooth whitener! Better Oral Health supplements can also help rehabilitate your teeth so that their natural color returns quicker – making them look brighter and shinier instantly!

Whitening strips

Whitening strips are often used to lighten teeth enamel and make them look whiter. However, they should only be used as directed on the packaging. Improper use of whitening strips can lead to adverse effects such as tooth sensitivity, discoloration of teeth, gum irritation, or mouth ulcers. Most yellow teeth are the result of a combination of smoking, drinking, and eating high-sugar foods – which you can prevent by following a healthy diet plan that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. Whitening strips may help in reducing the visibility of yellowing but they cannot resolve underlying problems such as poor oral hygiene or plaque buildup on teeth surfaces. In these cases, professional dentistry is usually required to achieve optimal results

Whitening rinses

Whitening rinses are a great way to get your teeth whitened quickly and easily. However, it is important to follow the instructions on the packaging carefully, as improper usage can lead to negative dental effects. There are a number of tooth whitening options available on the market, but it is important to choose one that will work well with your personal oral hygiene habits and teeth sensitivity level. Some popular whitening rinses include hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and sodium bicarbonate. Make sure you use them correctly in order to achieve maximum results. Take regular breaks during treatment so that your teeth don’t become too dry or irritated.

Conclusion

Yellow teeth can be caused by a variety of factors, but there are many natural remedies that can help you get your teeth back to their whiteness. Read on to learn more about the different causes of yellow teeth, the best ways to whiten your teeth naturally, and the best oral hygiene tips to prevent yellow teeth in the future.