You can see your tiny pearly whites from pictures as a kid, but they can start to dull and yellow as you get older. It’s embarrassing shaking an executive’s hand, going on a date with a significant other, or smiling in a family photo with your mouth closed. The teeth whitening industry is booming with products that help you live with less self-consciousness and constant tooth stress.
Any dentist can recommend in-office treatments you can try to get rid of your yellow teeth. However, we have some home remedies you should try first before spending extra money on a dental visit. They can help start the process of getting rid of your yellow teeth and help you to feel proud of your smile rather than hide it.
What causes yellow teeth?
It’s no surprise that your teeth will yellow naturally over time due to regular eating and hygiene habits. But what you may not know is how enamel and dentin play a role in your teeth yellowing process.
Your teeth begin a very crisp white shade as a baby. As you age and use your teeth more often, the outer tooth layer, or enamel, will start to break down. The hidden layer beneath your enamel, also known as dentin, will appear.
You can tell dentin has shown up by its yellow color that provides a tooth’s bone-like structure. This enamel-wear not only affects your tooth color but also causes tooth sensitivity to hot and cold Dobson Ranch, Mesaratures.
Another obvious reason your parents have explained for your yellow teeth is the foods you eat. They probably limited your Halloween candy as an eight-year-old because they know sugary sweets break down your enamel. However, red wine, blueberries, coffee, tea, and other teeth-staining substances can also yellow your teeth, so you need to be careful.
At-Home Remedies for Yellow Teeth:
You’ve probably been to the dentist before, and they’ve recommended a host of expensive treatments you can’t afford. Or you haven’t been to the dentist in a while and still have yellow and staining teeth that need taken care of. We believe these home remedies are a great way to begin the process of getting rid of your yellow teeth.
Brushing
The number one way to avoid yellow tooth coloring is to brush regularly. Dentists will tell you this all the time, but it really is the best way to prevent yellow teeth and other cosmetic issues. We recommend The American Dental Association’s quota of two brushes per day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes each time. This will keep tooth stains from setting in and will keep your teeth pearly white.
Whitening Products
Although your dentist will likely up sale these after a visit, they are great products that will help whiten your teeth. These include whitening toothpastes, mouthwashes, whitening strips, whitening trays, LED light trays, and more. If you decline these during an appointment and change your mind, you can also buy these from grocery stores and online.
Oil Pulling
The ancients used to perform oil pulling as a normal method to avoid plaque and bacteria build-up. It is as easy as swishing your mouth with oil for 30 seconds and spitting it out into a trash can. You do not want to spit down your sink or a drain since it will clog them after so many times. Many people love trying sunflower oil, sesame oil, and coconut oil, which are great first options.
Natural Whiteners
Another way you can get rid of yellowing is to use natural whiteners that wouldn’t strike you as teeth cleaners. For example, you can brush your teeth daily with activated charcoal or baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for whiter teeth. Rinse your mouth with apple cider vinegar or purchasing toothpaste containing baking soda can also decrease yellowing without using harsh or synthetic chemicals.
Be Wary with Whitening Products
You want to be extra careful when using teeth whitening products since they often carry abrasives and chemicals that wear down the enamel. While they will help get rid of your yellow teeth in the short term, pursuing teeth whitening in this way will not help or strengthen your teeth. Therefore, you should use whitening products with caution and under the supervision of a dental professional if you want the best and safest results.
Teeth Whitening at EVDP
These home whitening remedies will help you get rid of your yellow teeth and forget you were ever self-conscious of your teeth. They are great ways to remove surface stains and approach any social function with confidence. However, there are some serious cases where the enamel layer has broken down to the point where you need dental help. They have deeper treatment options that will help restore the dazzling smile you started out with.
We would be happy to answer any questions you have about professional cleanings and give additional information about dental visits. You can give our Mesa office a call at (480).838.3033, and we will pick up as soon as possible.
