Teeth can appear yellow for a variety of reasons. The most effective method of teeth whitening is professional teeth whitening at a dentist.
Traditional home teeth whitening methods may not only not meet expectations, but also harm your teeth.
Why do teeth turn yellow
Few people have naturally white teeth, and as they age, their teeth tend to turn yellow.
Teeth turn yellow for two reasons:
Enamel thinning: The outer layer of teeth is made up of enamel, which is almost white in color and protects the deeper structures of the tooth. Beneath the enamel is a layer of tissue called dentin, which is yellow-brown in color. When the enamel layer thins or wears away, the dentin shows through more, making the teeth appear darker. Acidic foods, gum disease, and aging can wear away tooth enamel. Some people have naturally thinner enamel.
Stains. Certain foods and drinks, such as coffee, can stain teeth. Some foods that stain teeth can also wear away enamel, making it more yellow. Other causes of stains include smoking and certain medications.
What else can cause teeth to discolor
Some antihistamines, antipsychotics, and blood pressure medications can cause teeth to darken. Cancer treatments can also have this effect.
Additionally, people who received certain antibiotics as children may develop tooth discoloration as adults.
How to Whiten Teeth Naturally
Diet modification. Eliminating foods that leave stains on teeth can help prevent further staining. Foods and drinks that contain tannins, such as wine and tea, can stain teeth. Coffee, dark sodas, and juices can also stain them. Acidic foods can make teeth yellow by wearing away enamel.
People who are concerned about the color of their teeth should avoid excessive consumption of citrus fruits, coffee, and soda.
Quitting smoking or tobacco products can reduce the risk of nicotine stains on their teeth. It can also prevent cavities and gum disease, which can damage enamel and cause oral health problems.
Chew high-fiber foods. Chewing certain high-fiber vegetables and legumes can help neutralize acid in your mouth and protect your tooth enamel. Beans or leafy greens like spinach stimulate your mouth to produce more saliva, which helps wash away acid.
Limit your sugar intake. If you want whiter teeth, cut back on your sugar intake. A diet high in sugar supports the growth of Streptococcus mutans, the main type of bacteria that causes plaque and gingivitis.
Questionable Home Teeth Whitening Methods That Don’t Work
Oil pulling. Oil pulling is an Indian practice of rinsing the mouth with oil to remove dirt, bacteria, and food particles. However, there is no scientific evidence to support its benefits.
The American Dental Association (ADA) considers oil pulling to be an alternative form of dentistry, stating that there is no reliable scientific research to show that oil pulling reduces cavities, whitens teeth, or improves oral health.
Those who replace regular brushing or flossing with oil pulling are at particular risk. This increases the risk of cavities because oil pulling does not remove plaque or reduce bacteria in the mouth.
It is strictly forbidden to use this method for those who have amalgam fillings, which contain mercury. This substance is attracted to oils and fats, it will be released from the filling and begin to poison the body.
When rinsing with oil, there is a great risk of swallowing it, which can lead to stomach upset and diarrhea.
Brushing teeth with baking soda. Another popular method is teeth whitening with baking soda.
It has not been scientifically proven that brushing with ordinary baking soda whitens teeth, but using this method carries certain risks. The gums suffer from such cleaning, which receive a huge number of microtraumas. In addition, soda can cause allergic rashes on the skin around the mouth. With plaque, soda also cleans tooth enamel. As a result, high tooth sensitivity, and then the formation of caries and possible tooth loss.
In addition, the whitening effect on teeth from soda is very short-lived, it provides only superficial care.
Hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is an active ingredient in many whitening products. Its dosage in toothpastes, whitening strips, and mouthwashes is usually low.
However, you should not buy hydrogen peroxide at the pharmacy and use it yourself at home, because you can incorrectly calculate the amount of solution and get a burn of the gums and oral cavity.
Hydrogen peroxide can also increase tooth sensitivity.
Whitening with fruits. The enzymes papain and bromelain, which are found in papaya and pineapple, and which are added to toothpastes, are not a proven method of whitening teeth. Moreover, you should not rub your teeth with fruit.
Whitening teeth with a mixture of strawberries and baking soda is a dangerous remedy. Strawberries contain a large amount of acids.
They break down the particles of substances that cause teeth to darken. However, strawberries can also damage the thin and sensitive tooth enamel.
The effectiveness of this method is also questionable, while strawberries can help make teeth whiter, it is unlikely to cope with stains on the teeth.
A 2015 study found that a mixture of strawberries and baking soda resulted in very little change in tooth color compared to commercial whitening products.
A number of folk methods for whitening teeth that can be harmful.
These include:
- lemons;
- oranges;
- apple cider vinegar;
- activated charcoal.
How to prevent stains on teeth
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is the most important thing a person can do to prevent and reduce yellowing of teeth. Regular brushing and flossing can protect enamel, prevent gum disease, and help remove stains.
Good oral hygiene includes:
- brushing your teeth at least twice a day;
- using fluoride toothpaste;
- using dental floss.
Regular check-ups with your dentist can help keep your teeth bright and healthy. Yellow teeth are usually not a sign of a health problem, but your dentist can check for enamel loss and cavities. Natural and folk remedies can be harmful, and their effects are short-lived.
Dentists at YAREMA DENTAL offer whitening procedures that are much more effective and safe because they are performed by professionals.