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How To Whiten Yellow Teeth

Reviewed Nov 2023 by Our Content Experts

Stained or discoloured teeth can make you self-conscious and can adversely impact your confidence. Whether you want to look your best for a special event or you have always dreamed of having beautiful pearly whites, professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective solution.

Learn how to whiten your teeth and improve your confidence with this helpful post from Smile.

Before and After Whiten Teeth

What are the different types of teeth discolouration?

Teeth can change colour due to surface stains or changes deeper inside the tooth. The three main types of tooth discolouration include:

Extrinsic

This is when the outer layer (or enamel) of the tooth is stained. This is generally caused by coffee, wine, cola or smoking.

Intrinsic

When the inner tooth (or dentin) darkens or yellows, this is considered intrinsic discolouration. This is often caused by factors including:

  • Too much fluoride during early childhood
  • If your mother used tetracycline antibiotics in second half of pregnancy
  • Using tetracycline antibiotics at 8 years or younger
  • Trauma, such as a fall, that affected the developing tooth as a child
  • Internal bleeding of the tooth caused by trauma in permanent tooth
  • Dentinogenesis imperfecta, a rare condition that causes discoloured teeth.

Age-related

Over time, both extrinsic and intrinsic factors cause discolouration. Naturally yellowing dentin and thinning enamel contribute to age-related discolouration.

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What are the major causes of yellow teeth?

There are several everyday factors that can contribute to the discolouration of teeth. Common culprits that cause dull, yellow and even grey smiles include:

  • Smoking
  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Red wine
  • Soft drink
  • Certain antibiotics.

If you are a smoker or enjoy a cup (or four) of coffee each day, you may have noticed your pearly whites have lost some of their lustre over the years.

Genetics and age can also affect the colour of your teeth, as well as other lifestyle factors such as oral hygiene and drug use.

While yellow or stained teeth can significantly impact your confidence, most tooth discolouration can be prevented and treated.

How to prevent tooth discolouration

Keep stains and discolouration away and maintain a beautiful smile by following these steps:

  • Drink coffee, soft drink and other staining beverages through a straw to avoid contact with the front surfaces of your teeth.
  • Brush your teeth after every meal.
  • Avoid smoking tobacco.
  • Get your teeth professionally cleaned every six months.

Practising good oral hygiene is crucial to prevent tooth discolouration. Plaque build up caused by poor brushing and flossing creates a sticky surface for stains to hold on to. Regular and thorough brushing and flossing can help to remove plaque. These easy steps will help you improve your oral health and keep your smile bright.

Brushing Teeth

Ways to whiten yellow teeth

There are several ways to achieve a whiter smile and enhance your appearance. These can range from in-chair whitening treatments performed by a professional dentist to at-home teeth whitening kits and products you can find in pharmacies and supermarkets.

All teeth whitening products contain either carbamide peroxide (CP) or hydrogen peroxide (HP) that removes stains and lightens the teeth.

Professional teeth whitening treatments

Professional teeth whitening is the most popular dental treatment performed worldwide. This is the most effective method, offering immediate and superior results. It is also the safest option.

In-practice products

These are applied directly to the teeth by a dental professional. Containing a high percentage of peroxide, they are sometimes activated by heat, light or laser. This option gives you fast results and is best for those who don’t have sensitive teeth.

Take-home products

The most popular teeth whitening method, take-home products are supervised by a dental professional. Containing a lower percentage of peroxide than in-practice products, they are applied either overnight or during the day, depending on which is easier and more practical for you.

The application is easy to do. You get a “tray” which goes in your mouth and fits over your teeth. This tray is custom-fitted to ensure the whitening product sits directly against the teeth and avoids contact with the gums. Results take 7-14 days when the tray is worn overnight.

At-home teeth whitening treatments

At-home teeth whitening products are a convenient option as they are available at just about any pharmacy or supermarket. They are not as effective as professional teeth whitening products, and it generally takes longer to see results. These results are often not to the same whiter-than-white standard that professional treatments can achieve.

Over-the-counter whitening products

Containing a small percentage of peroxide, over-the-counter, or OTC, whitening products can take up to six months to see results. They use a one-size-fits-all tray to apply the product, resulting in a poor fit against the teeth and increased chance of burning the gums and soft issues of the mouth.

They also contain an acidic solution that can damage tooth enamel, so should always be used with caution.

Over-the-counter toothpaste

Over-the-counter whitening toothpastes also contain a small percentage of peroxide. They remove surface stains but can be very abrasive, eventually wearing away enamel with their harsh polishing abrasives.

What are the risks of home teeth whitening kits?

At-home or over-the-counter teeth whitening kits put you at risk of permanently damaging your teeth, burning your mouth and even experiencing stomach problems. Risks include:

  • Damaging tooth enamel
  • Burning gums and soft tissues of the mouth
  • Mouth infections due to wounds of the mouth
  • Stomach issues if whitening product is swallowed.

Professional teeth whitening treatments are the best option, giving you the whitest smile in the safest way possible.

Getting whiter teeth doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Say hello to a brighter smile and a more confident you with affordable and professional teeth whitening treatment from a Smile approved dentist today.

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