Why Are My Teeth Yellow, and How Can I Make Them White Again?

Adult teeth are naturally a yellowish shade of white, but many people find that theirs are much more yellow than they’d like them to be. While this can happen for a variety of reasons, there are measures you can take to restore your smile’s lovely pearlescent luster. Here’s a brief overview of what can cause your teeth to take on an unsightly yellow color and a few ways you can address this issue.

Foods and Beverages Can Leave Stains

Many foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine, candy, and berries are high in tannins, pigments, or dyes. While many people appreciate these items because of their pleasing color, they can leave stains on or beneath the enamel if they are consumed too frequently or if a person enjoys them without practicing proper oral hygiene afterward. These stains can be so stubborn that they do not respond to brushing or flossing.

Don’t Let Cigarettes Burn Your Grin

Tobacco use is terrible for your oral and overall health and a great way to develop unpleasant yellow stains and nasty brown accumulations on your teeth. Keeping a habit of chewing or smoking this substance for too long can also lead to tooth loss, serious gum disease, and even oral cancer. Quitting this habit is one of the best things you can do to restore your smile to its naturally beautiful sheen.

What Can I Do to Whiten My Smile?

The best ways to prevent dental stains are practicing excellent oral hygiene at home, making smart eating decisions, and seeing your dentist regularly. It’s also a great idea to drink a tall glass of water after enjoying a potentially stain-causing food or beverage.

If your dental stains are not responding to conventional oral hygiene methods, you may be able to receive a take-home whitening kit from your dentist. While you can find many similar products in stores, these offer inconsistent results and may even lead to injuries due to user error or poor manufacturing. Some users are left with unevenly whitened teeth or no noticeable results at all.

A teeth whitening kit from your dentist will include a tube of concentrated whitening gel and a set of customized dental trays. All you’ll need to do is apply the gel to the trays and wear them over your teeth for about an hour every day for two weeks. When you’re done, your smile will be up to eight shades whiter.

Dental stains are a common nuisance, but they can be removed with the proper methods. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to get the shine back in your smile.

About the Practice

Care 32 Dental of Grand Prairie delivers excellent oral care to patients of all ages in Grand Prairie, TX. Led by Drs. Heliben Desai, Krunal Desai, and Vasim Momin, the staff takes personal pride in offering the finest dental services available in a friendly and welcoming environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as take-home teeth whitening kits. To book your cosmetic dental consultation, contact the practice online or dial (469) 837-8351.