It’s a sad fact of life that certain foods, drinks, and even age affect our teeth, leading to embarrassing discolouration. Over time our teeth start to turn yellow due to stains – both at surface level and deeper inside – and other causes, sometimes beyond our control. Whatever the reason for your discoloured teeth, read on for some top tips on how to get rid of yellow teeth.
What causes yellow teeth?
- Thin enamel – Unfortunately, tooth enamel naturally thins with age, allowing the darker layer of dentine that lies beneath to show through.
- Smoking – The nicotine and tar in tobacco products also penetrate the microscopic pores of the teeth, causing yellow teeth.
- Food and drinks – Darkly coloured foods such as curry and tomato sauce and drinks like red wine, tea and coffee all take their toll on tooth enamel, causing discolouration.
- Dry mouth – Saliva is a natural mouthwash that neutralises acids and washes them away. Unfortunately, people suffering from ‘dry mouth,’ which reduces the amount of saliva in the mouth, are at risk of developing enamel wear.
While there are many causes of yellow teeth, you could have inherited them from your parents. In other words, dark or yellowish teeth can be genetic. If you are overly concerned with the natural colour of your teeth, you may want to speak to a cosmetic dentist about cosmetic options.
So, now you know what causes yellow teeth, let’s turn our attention to eliminating discolouration.
How to get rid of yellow teeth?
Whether your teeth are mildly stained or quite yellow, several options are available to help you whiten them. Let’s dive in and take a look.
Professional In-Chair Teeth Whitening
If you’re keen to give your smile a makeover in double-quick time, in-chair teeth whitening from your dentist is your best bet.
Teeth whitening is a straightforward process that involves bleaching the teeth with a gel containing either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
Under Australian law, only a dentist can use whitening products containing more than 6% hydrogen peroxide and 18% carbamide peroxide, which is why dental supervised teeth whitening is the most effective method.
The dentist applies the whitening gel to the teeth and often uses high-intensity light to activate and accelerate the treatment. The gel penetrates the tooth enamel breaking down the stain molecules and lightening them so that the teeth appear whiter.
With in-chair whitening, a patient can walk in with discoloured teeth and step out in less than an hour, brandishing a dazzling white smile.
At-home teeth whitening kits
Our dentist can provide you with at-home teeth whitening kits that include custom whitening trays, a supply of whitening gel, and a complete set of easy to follow instructions. The trays are filled with gel and worn for a few hours during the day, or you can wear them overnight while they work their magic. Since the peroxide concentrations are lower, it may be necessary to wear the trays for two or more weeks until your teeth reach their desired shade.
How to get rid of yellow teeth with over the counter teeth whitening products?
Teeth whitening is big business, and there is a wide range of over the counter products you can try. From whitening toothpaste to whitening pens and whitening strips to whitening trays, there’s something for every budget and lifestyle.
Since these products contain relatively low peroxide concentrations, it can take several months to notice any difference in the colour of your teeth. You may also find that some teeth whitening products don’t work at all.
How to prevent yellow teeth?
One of the easiest ways to keep your teeth looking healthy and white is to stay on top of your oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss them once a day. Attend regular check-ups and cleans with your dentist and become friends with your hygienist. This will help your teeth remain looking their best.
To avoid yellow teeth, try and limit those foods and drinks that you know to stain teeth. Another tip is to drink a glass of water after every meal, snack, or beverage. Not only is this good for your teeth, but it also keeps your body hydrated.
So, how do you want to get rid of yellow teeth?
If your teeth are yellow, we can help with professional teeth whitening treatments. That said, some teeth don’t respond to bleaching, and dental veneers may be a better option.
Why not schedule an appointment with our friendly, experienced dentists to discuss your best options. We’re currently running a teeth whitening promotion so you could save money too. Call Bright-On Bay Dental today on (02) 9538 7028 or use our online booking service.
Recent Comments