Teeth Whitening for Yellow Teeth: What Really Works

When we think of a healthy or ‘Hollywood’ smile, we typically think of gleaming white teeth, but when we look in the mirror and notice our teeth are beginning to look a little more yellow, this can feel disheartening.

First, it’s important to note that a slightly yellow tint to our teeth is entirely normal, as this is usually due to a layer known as ‘dentine’ beneath the surface of our enamel.

However, if you feel that your teeth are noticeably more yellow, there could be several factors at play, and you might be wondering how you can get your smile back to being one that you’re happy with and can wear with confidence.

In this blog, we’ll look at some causes of teeth becoming yellow and the best remedies for a brighter smile.

What causes teeth to become yellow

As stated, it’s normal for teeth to be ever so slightly yellow or off-white. Sometimes, you might be alarmed by a sudden change in colour when you look in the mirror or at a photo of yourself. However, this can often be easily attributed to a change in lighting, wall colour around or mirror, or even the clothes we are wearing, particularly if they themselves are white.

If you do notice more consistent yellowing, this can be caused by several factors:

• Incorrect dental hygiene care
• The natural wear and tear our teeth experience with age
• Consumption of ‘staining’ drinks such as coffee, tea, and wine and smoking
• Trauma
• Even our genetics can play a role in how yellow our teeth are naturally

Can yellow teeth become white again?

The answer is: absolutely!

Beyond avoiding the above factors as much as possible, several treatments are available to bring your teeth back to their best.

Things to consider before whitening your teeth

Before we discuss these, there are a few ‘hints’ that can help your teeth get back on an even keel. These hints can allow you to make a more informed decision about what whitening treatments might best suit you.

These include brushing and flossing twice daily, consuming crunchy foods such as apples and carrots to remove plaque between brushes, and using a straw when consuming drinks that are more likely to stain teeth.

Finally, we’d recommend a trip – and regular trips – to the dentist and hygienist. Your dentist will not only be able to advise you on the best treatment for you, but a hygienist visit can make a big difference to the whiteness of your teeth – especially if you haven’t visited in a while.

If you’re still interested in proceeding with whitening, let’s examine some of the available treatments!

Customised trays

A popular option, whitening trays are clear plastic retainers and contain a whitening gel designed to brighten teeth.

First, a dentist will take an impression of your teeth to create an entirely bespoke tray, allowing for minimal waste and maximum coverage of your teeth.

At home, you can fill the tray with the whitening gel and wear it for a few hours or even overnight, depending on your needs, as prescribed by your dentist.

Some of our surgeries may offer in-practice whitening treatment, carried out by the dentist, therapist or hygienist. Your dentist will be able to discuss the best option for you at your appointment.

Internal whitening treatments

As mentioned previously, discolouration doesn’t always occur due to diet and may be caused by infection or physical trauma; with this kind of discolouration, at least some of the tooth may be ‘dead’.

To combat this, internal whitening treatments are available, which, instead of bleaching the outside of your teeth, bleach the inside of the tooth first. Often, in this case, the tooth has already had a root canal treatment or may need one before this is carried out.

Aftercare

While your dentist can advise you on any aftercare regimes relevant to your particular treatment, it’s important to remember that no whitening solution is permanent and that maintaining whitening is a lifelong process that starts with good dental habits. By practising good dental hygiene and minimising your intake of staining food and drinks, you can ensure you get the most from your whitening treatment.

If you want to learn more about available whitening treatments, don’t hesitate to contact your nearest Clyde Munro dental practice.