There is no doubt that keeping your dental and oral health optimal is a must. Among the many dental and oral health issues, yellow and stained teeth seem to still grab the center attention.
Discolored or yellow teeth can be a result of various causes but doesn’t necessarily mean there is a medical issue at hand. For now, let’s introduce ourselves to the factors which make the teeth turn yellow in color, lose color or change color.
Extrinsic Strains
When the tooth enamel is affected by an outside factor, you could experience extrinsic stains. Some of the main cause of this may be the diet you are practicing, basic lifestyle routines. For instance, overconsumption of alcohol, tobacco, wine, and coffee can lead to teeth stains which tend to linger on.
Other foods which can contribute to teeth discoloration and staining include dark chocolate, sauces, fruit juice, balsamic vinegar, and berry fruits.
Intrinsic Stains
Unlike extrinsic stains, intrinsic stains happen within the tooth dentin or the tissue which makes the tooth what it is. Some of the factors which can lead to these stains include insufficient or improper oral hygiene, meds, and especially antibiotics. On top of all, intrinsic stains can be a direct result of prescribed mouthwash solutions, such as chlorhexidine gluconate.
Yellow Teeth: Other Causes
Aside from the aforementioned, there are a number of other factors which can turn white teeth into yellow. Some of these include:
— Genetics – it is likely that if one of your parents or grandparents suffered yellow teeth, so will you.
— Smoking – tobacco is especially harmful to the teeth, especially when combined with
— Carbonated and sparkling drinks, including sodas, energy drinks, and alcohol (champagne).
— Fluorosis, a condition caused by excess fluoride coming into contact with the teeth.
— Accidents, where the tooth’s interior was damaged.
— Teeth grinding, which can not only lead to teeth discoloration but teeth cracking and damage, too.
Whiten Yellow Teeth Naturally
1. Baking soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
With first results coming in six weeks, mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide, thus creating a paste. Use this paste to brush the teeth with it for 2-3 minutes. Don’t go overboard with this paste, as baking soda may damage the enamel.
2. Activated Charcoal
Great for removing stains, infections, and bacteria from the teeth use charcoal to brush the teeth for 2 minutes daily. To those with more sensitive teeth, activated charcoal can be rather abrasive so it may not be an ideal option for your case.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Before using ACV, rinse the mouth well. Mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar into 5 ounces of water and gargle with the mix for 20-30 seconds.
4. Coconut Oil Pulling
Able to remove tartar, plaque, and bacteria from the teeth, swish 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil in the mouth for at least 10 minutes. The same effects can be also achieved with sesame oil.
5. Water-Rich Fruits
Fruits containing plenty of water, like oranges, watermelon, melon, and grapes can clean the teeth and whiten them properly. At the same time, these help remove food stuck in the teeth and bacteria inside the oral cavity.
6. Fruit Peels
Lemon, apple, banana and orange peels are amazing for whitening the teeth, all due to d-limonene, a health-boosting compound. To get the best effects, rub a peel of any of these fruits onto the teeth for 2 minutes, followed by a thorough rinse which will get rid of fruit-caused acid in the mouth.
7. Vegetables
Much like fruit, veggies like carrots and celery are able to remove bacteria from the mouth and fight yellow teeth stains.
8. Whitening Kits
Ranging from $10-$50 per kit, these over-the-counter whitening tools can get you the desired bleaching effect.
9. Brushing and Flossing
Both incredibly important to the teeth, brushing, and flossing are able to prevent teeth discoloration. Detailed brushing and covering all surfaces in a must, followed by a thorough flossing session and a good mouthwash rinse. Optimally, you should brush at least twice a date, for at least two minutes.
10. Dental Exams
Making regular dental appointments can track the cause for your teeth discoloration, with your doctor being able to give you exact instructions on how to maintain the teeth healthy.
