Yellow Teeth: Causes and Solutions for a Brighter Smile

Are you self-conscious about the yellow color of your teeth? Despite regular brushing and visits to the dentist, nothing seems to work? To tackle this problem, it's essential to identify the cause. The treatment will not be the same depending on whether your teeth are naturally yellow or if this shade comes from external factors.

Discover everything you need to know about yellowing teeth, from the origin of the phenomenon to the different options for remedying it, as well as our tips for keeping a sparkling smile for as long as possible!

Why Do We Get Yellow Teeth?

There are two main types of tooth discoloration:

• Intrinsic stains, when the teeth are naturally yellow.
• Extrinsic stains, when the surface of the enamel or dentin becomes stained over time.

Internal Causes of Tooth Yellowing

Rarer and more difficult to treat, yellow teeth of internal origin can be due to:

• Diseases such as congenital porphyria or neonatal jaundice.
• Taking certain medications during childhood (tetracyclines, excess fluoride, ciprofloxacin).
• A genetic predisposition.
• A mineral deficiency that makes the dentin more visible through transparency.

External Causes of Tooth Yellowing

In most cases, it is colored molecules depositing on the enamel that give teeth a yellow appearance, especially if oral hygiene is insufficient. Among the main culprits:

• Tobacco, nicotine, and tar.
• Drinks like tea, coffee, red wine, or sodas.
• Certain foods (licorice, red fruits, spices, acidic foods).
• Bacteria and fungi in case of poor hygiene.

With age, teeth also naturally tend to yellow and dull, as the enamel thins to reveal the darker dentin.

How to Get White Teeth Again? Solutions That Work

The first thing to do is to try to eliminate the cause of the yellow stains, especially if they are of external origin (quitting smoking, limiting coffee and tea, improving your brushing...).

But that is not always enough to regain a pristine whiteness. Fortunately, there are now effective techniques to say goodbye to yellow teeth, to be performed at a dentist's office or even at home!

Teeth Whitening at the Dental Office

This is the gold standard for a lasting and safe teeth whitening. The dentist performs a complete oral examination before the treatment to check for contraindications (cavities, gingivitis, sensitivity...). Depending on the case, three techniques are possible:

• At-home whitening with custom trays: the practitioner makes custom trays in which the patient will place a whitening gel to wear for several hours a day for 2 to 6 weeks.
• In-office whitening: a professional whitening product is applied to the teeth, then activated by a light or laser, all in one or more one-hour sessions.
• Combination whitening: combines part of the treatment in the office and part at home with trays.

The results are impressive with a gain of 2 to 6 shades depending on the method, for an effect that lasts several years. The only downside is the rather high price, since you should expect to pay on average $500 to $1,000, an amount not covered by dental insurance.

At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits

Cheaper than in-office whitening, at-home kits can also effectively reduce yellow teeth. Several options exist:

• Trays to be filled with whitening gel (starting from $50).
• Whitening strips to be applied to the teeth (from $25).
• Gels to be applied with a brush (a few dollars).
• Whitening toothpastes (effectiveness not guaranteed).

Beware of the Risks of Teeth Whitening

Whitening treatments are not harmless for the teeth. Before starting, it is best to consult a dentist to check for contraindications. Those particularly at risk are:

• People with cavities, gum problems, or very sensitive teeth.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• Children and adolescents whose teeth are still immature.

Another point to note is that whitening products only work on natural teeth, not on crowns or implants!

Our Tips for Keeping Teeth White Over Time

Whitening or not, here are some good habits to adopt to say goodbye to yellow teeth:

• Limit your consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, sodas, and acidic foods.
• Stop or reduce smoking.
• Brush your teeth carefully after each meal for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Use dental floss to remove plaque.
• Get a professional cleaning at least once a year at your dentist's office.
• Avoid home remedies like lemon or baking soda, which can damage enamel.

What if My Teeth Have White or Black Spots?

The problem is not always a uniform color; unsightly spots can also appear on the teeth. They have various possible causes: poor oral hygiene, excessive consumption of staining foods, taking certain medications, dental problems...

Again, the first thing to do is to eliminate the responsible factor. A dentist can then propose an appropriate treatment to regain a perfect smile: whitening, veneers, cleaning, crowns...

Yellow Teeth Are Not a Foregone Conclusion!

As you can see, there are many solutions today to put an end to yellowing teeth. The key is to identify the cause to choose the most suitable option, depending on your desires, your budget, but also your oral health.

FAQ: Your Questions About Yellow Teeth

What are the main causes of yellow teeth?

The origins are multiple: internal factors (genetics, diseases, medications), external factors (tobacco, coffee, poor hygiene), and the natural aging of teeth.

How to remove yellow tartar from teeth?

Only a proper cleaning at the dentist can get rid of unsightly tartar deposits. It's painless and essential for the health of your teeth and gums!

What is the best product for whitening teeth?

The whitening gels based on hydrogen peroxide used by dentists are the most effective. For at-home use, prefer those with a concentration of less than 6%.

Are whitening toothpastes effective against yellow teeth?

They can reduce surface stains but do not act as deeply as a professional whitening. Their results are therefore limited.