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This article was co-authored by Alina Lane, DDS. Dr. Alina Lane is a Dentist who runs All Smiles Dentistry, a general practice dental office based in New York City. After completing a DDS at the University of Maryland, Dr. Lane completed a year-long clerkship in Implantology at the University of Maryland, where she focused on the advanced restoration of dental implants. She continued her advanced education by completing a General Practice Residency at Woodhull Medical Center, an affiliate of the NYU School of Medicine. She received the Woodhull Medical Center Resident of the Year 2012-2013.
There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 321,766 times.
Yellow teeth are a common problem for many people. This discoloration can cause you to become self-conscious and maybe even keep you from smiling. Don't worry: you're not alone. Over time, teeth become yellow and discolored due to improper oral hygiene, eating certain foods and aging. There are several methods you can use to reverse the damage. Some are easy enough to try at home, but some will require you to visit the dentist. Whatever way you choose, you'll soon be on your way to a whiter smile.
Steps
Floss. You might accumulate yellow matter between your teeth if you are not flossing regularly. Flossing can instantly remove a lot of the build-up between your teeth that causes discoloration. Make sure to make flossing part of your daily routine.- Use a good amount of floss — it should be about 18 inches in length. Grip the floss tightly in each hand, and move the floss up and down between each tooth. Curve the floss into a "C" shape, so that you are covering the entire surface. Use fresh sections of floss as you move around your mouth.[1]
- Do at least six up and down movements on each tooth surface. Be gentle — don't damage your gums.
Make a paste. Whitening your teeth does not have to be expensive. You can use several items that you probably already have in your own home. One effective method is to make a paste out of baking soda and lemon juice. Baking soda can help balance the Ph levels in your mouth, and lemon juice is a natural sort of bleach.[2]- You will need a few teaspoons of baking soda and a small amount of lemon juice. Mix them together until you reach a paste-like consistency (partly liquid). Then use a toothbrush to spread the paste onto all of your teeth. Leave on for one minute, then rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
- Be careful not to brush your teeth too hard with this paste, as you may produce some abrasion on enamel.
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Concoct a scrub. Baking soda can also be used to create a scrub by combining it with salt and strawberries. The salt will act as sort of an exfoliant to scrub gunk from your teeth. Strawberries contain a lot of vitamin C, which is good for breaking down plaque.[3]- To make this scrub, you'll need two to three strawberries. Mash them together, and add a sprinkle of salt and a dime-sized amount of baking soda. Spread the scrub onto your teeth using a toothbrush. Let sit for five minutes, then rinse.
Rinse with hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is common in most homes, and is often used for minor scrapes or cuts. It can also be used as an inexpensive method for whitening your teeth. Simply swish a very small amount in your mouth for a few seconds, then spit it out. Then brush your teeth as you normally would.[4]
Raid the refrigerator. In addition to strawberries and lemons, there are other foods that can help remove the yellow from between your teeth. Try using an orange peel. Before you go to bed, rub the peel of an orange across your teeth for a few minutes. The vitamin C will help to break down the yellow. You should see results within a few weeks.
Buy a whitening toothpaste. If you don't want to make your own whitening products, there are many that you can buy. Look for a toothpaste that specifically promotes its whitening agents. Also, look for a brand that has been approved by the American Dental Association. Your local drugstore will have many options for you.
Get in a routine. Some of these methods will give you instantly whiter teeth. But for best results, you should get in the habit of taking steps to remove yellow from between your teeth. If you take regular steps to promote the health of your teeth, you will see more significant and longer lasting results.
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Choose a dentist you trust. Picking a dentist is just as important as choosing any other health care professional. Ask your friends or co-workers if they have a dentist that they like. You can also get a lot of information from reading online reviews. When you visit your dentist, make sure he is willing to thoroughly answer all of your questions about the procedure you are interested in.[5]
Use bleaching gel. Your dentist is likely to recommend a whitening procedure that utilizes a bleaching agent, which will most likely be in the form of a gel. Your dentist will make an impression of your teeth, and use that to make a mold that will fit your mouth. The gel will be placed into the tray, and you will keep the gel-filled tray in your mouth for a specific amount of time.[6]- This is a painless procedure, but you should still feel free to ask your dentist any questions or concerns you may have.
Use abrasive strips. Your dentist likely has these finishing strips, which are thin strips of sandpaper-like material that can be slid between your teeth and used to remove yellowing. The dentist will slowly pull the strip back and forth and up and down to polish your tooth. Because these strips are abrasive, it's best to let your dentist do this and not try it at home or you risk damaging your enamel.- Don't drink colored drinks (like wine, coffee, cola) after this treatment.
Try the laser method. Laser whitening is one of the newest methods that dentists use. It involves painting your teeth with a peroxide solution and then exposing the teeth to very strong light. This procedure is fast and painless; however, it can be pricey and your insurance might not cover the procedure. Make sure to ask your provider before scheduling a laser whitening.[7]
Visit a dental spa. Many people have a fear of going to the dentist. If that sounds familiar, try going to a dental spa. These dentist's offices will be able to whiten your teeth, but they also include spa-like services. Think soft blankets and maybe even a little shoulder massage. This option is great for those nervous about any sort of oral procedure.[8]
Know the risks. Before you undertake any whitening process, make sure to discuss the possible side effects with your dentists. Although teeth whitening is mainly considered safe, there could be potential problems. The most common include increased sensitivity of the teeth and gums.[9]- Your dentist will tailor the whitening procedure according to your case. The way you bite or smile are some of the most important features of a proper whitening treatment.
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Practice good oral hygiene. The best way to prevent yellowing teeth is to take good care of your mouth. Ask your dentist for tips about proper oral care. Make sure that you know the proper way to brush and floss.[10]- Brushing is the single most important thing you can do for your teeth. Make sure to brush at least twice a day, using a soft bristled brush and a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Make sure to get a new brush at least every two months.
- When you brush your teeth, be sure to brush your tongue, as well. That can help remove a layer of bacteria that goes on your tongue, which can contribute to yellowing, tooth decay, and gum disease.[11]
- Flossing is another great way to keep your mouth healthy and prevent yellow stains. You should floss every day, making sure to pay attention to the area between each tooth. Be gentle, but firm.
Avoid certain foods. The items you eat and drink can impact the color of your teeth. If you are worried about discoloration, limit your intake of coffee, dark sodas, and red wine. You will also want to avoid potatoes — the starch can raise the acid levels in your mouth and erode your enamel.[12]- Coffee and tea are two of the biggest culprits when it comes to staining your teeth.[13]
- Whenever you can, try using a straw when drinking coffee or dark colored drinks, as it will reduce the interaction between tooth enamel and pigments.
Pay attention to medications. If you notice a dramatic yellowing of your teeth, ask your doctor if medication might be the cause. Certain antibiotics are known to cause discoloration. Other culprits are certain antihistamines and some blood-pressure regulators.[14]
Stop smoking. Smoking tobacco will leave yellow stains on your teeth.[15]There are many reasons to stop smoking, and oral health is one of them. If you smoke, ask your doctor about safe methods of quitting.[16]
Use products regularly. In addition to whitening toothpastes, you can also use whitening strips and mouth rinses to keep yellow teeth from developing. Ask your dentist to recommend a product that he trusts. Get in the habit of using whitening products regularly, and you can prevent yellow from forming between your teeth.
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Expert Q&A
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- QuestionWhat are the most common causes of teeth yellowing?
Alina Lane, DDSDr. Alina Lane is a Dentist who runs All Smiles Dentistry, a general practice dental office based in New York City. After completing a DDS at the University of Maryland, Dr. Lane completed a year-long clerkship in Implantology at the University of Maryland, where she focused on the advanced restoration of dental implants. She continued her advanced education by completing a General Practice Residency at Woodhull Medical Center, an affiliate of the NYU School of Medicine. She received the Woodhull Medical Center Resident of the Year 2012-2013.
Board Certified DentistOver time, the foods you eat and things you drink will contribute to staining your teeth, along with other habits like smoking tobacoo.
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Tips
- Try several different methods before deciding which is best for you.Thanks
- Ask for advice. Don't be afraid to ask your dentist or pharmacist for recommendations.Thanks
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Warnings
- Do not attempt to whiten your teeth without consulting your dentist.Thanks
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References
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-14/flossing-floss-sticks
- ↑ http://everydayroots.com/teeth-whitening-at-home
- ↑ http://everydayroots.com/teeth-whitening-at-home
- ↑ http://www.earthclinic.com/cures/teeth_stained.html
- ↑ https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/dental-care-concerns/how-to-choose-a-dentist
- ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/dentalhealth/Pages/teeth-whitening.aspx
- ↑ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-113670/The-truth-tooth-whitening.html
- ↑ http://www.dentaleconomics.com/articles/print/volume-94/issue-9/features/knocks-and-rubs-of-dental-spas.html
- ↑ https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/bleaching_risks.html
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20045536
- ↑ Alina Lane, DDS. Board Certified Dentist. Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tooth-discoloration
- ↑ Alina Lane, DDS. Board Certified Dentist. Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tooth-discoloration
- ↑ Alina Lane, DDS. Board Certified Dentist. Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.dentalhealth.org/tell-me-about/topic/sundry/smoking-and-oral-health
About This Article
Board Certified Dentist
This article was co-authored by Alina Lane, DDS. Dr. Alina Lane is a Dentist who runs All Smiles Dentistry, a general practice dental office based in New York City. After completing a DDS at the University of Maryland, Dr. Lane completed a year-long clerkship in Implantology at the University of Maryland, where she focused on the advanced restoration of dental implants. She continued her advanced education by completing a General Practice Residency at Woodhull Medical Center, an affiliate of the NYU School of Medicine. She received the Woodhull Medical Center Resident of the Year 2012-2013. This article has been viewed 321,766 times.
Co-authors: 12
Updated: September 9, 2023
Views: 321,766
Categories: Cleaning Teeth
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
Article SummaryX
To treat yellow discoloration between your teeth at home, start by flossing carefully to remove any buildup that might be staining your teeth. You can also naturally whiten your teeth by gently brushing them with a paste made of lemon juice and baking soda, or by using a baking soda, salt, and strawberry scrub. If that’s not doing the trick, try rinsing your mouth with hydrogen peroxide or investing in a whitening toothpaste. Whatever works best for you, make it a part of your regular dental care routine to keep your teeth looking nice and bright! Read on for more advice from our Dental co-author, including how to get tooth-whitening treatments in the dentist’s office.
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