We all want a smile to be proud of, and that means having white teeth. While some colouring can be normal, particularly with age, having yellow teeth is a sign that something isn’t right.
We’re going to share with you the causes of yellow teeth, the dos and don’ts in your journey to a brilliant smile, and some of the ways you can whiten your teeth if they’re already yellowing.
What causes yellow teeth?
There are a number of reasons that a person’s teeth could become yellow; some of them are caused by lifestyle decisions, while others can be related to oral hygiene or medical issues.
Lifestyle
The drinks that you consume can play a big role in staining your teeth, especially those that are darker in colour, such as coffee, wine and tea.
Tobacco is another cause of staining; whether you smoke or chew it, you can expect some staining.1
Health and hygiene
When it comes to health and hygiene, there are a wide number of reasons for staining and yellowing, such as:
- Poor dental hygiene
- Certain diseases
- Medical treatment such as radiation and chemotherapy
- Medications, particularly in children
- The ageing process
- Genetic factors
- Excess fluoride in the environment
- Tooth injuries2
While many of these can’t be helped, there are ways in which you can lessen the effects and help whiten teeth that have already yellowed.
How to get a pearly smile
There are a number of things that can be done to take care of your teeth and help maintain their natural whiteness.
Do
- Brush twice a day for at least 2 minutes at a time, and don’t forget to wait before rinsing your mouth to allow fluoride from the toothpaste to stay on your teeth and do its job
- Consider what you’re eating and drinking, particularly if the drinks are darker in colour
- Drink water instead of fruit juices or fizzy drinks
- Use a fluoride toothpaste such as Aquafresh Whitening to help remove stains and keep your mouth happy and healthy
- Attend regular dentist appointments
Don’t
- Eat too many fruits and vegetables that are darker in colour, such as red and black berries, beetroot and tomatoes.
- Drink too much tea, coffee, and red wine as these have the ability to stain
- Eat meals with sauces that have the ability to stain, such as curries, bolognese and similar
- Smoke because smoking stains teeth and can lead to other problems with your teeth3
How to whiten yellow teeth
There are a number of ways that you can whiten your teeth if they are or have already yellowed; these are a mix of over-the-counter toothpastes, home whitening products or, in some cases, mechanical plaque removal by a dentist or hygienist.
Some of the ways you can whiten your teeth include:
- Investing in a toothpaste specifically designed to remove stains and help restore natural whiteness, such as Aquafresh Active White. The toothpaste also helps maintain strong teeth and healthy gums*.
- Whitening strips or trays are a way of enhancing your teeth, and most products contain carbamide peroxide, which is a chemical that contains hydrogen peroxide). These types of whiteners usually need to be worn for 30-45 minutes every day to make an impact, although some products may work faster4
- You can book in with your dentist for a procedure to help restore your teeth’s whiteness. There are different types of whitening, one uses gels and a mouthguard, and the other uses a bleaching product and light or laser to activate the whitening. While you may see advertising from salons for this procedure, unless a qualified dentist is present, it is not advised; make sure you book in with a dental professional for safe whitening.5
As you can see, there are a number of ways that you can get rid of stains on your teeth, the least expensive or invasive is by choosing the right toothpaste.
*With twice-daily brushing
Frequently asked questions
Can my teeth become white again after turning yellow?
Yes, there are a number of ways that you can help whiten teeth again after they have yellowed, from changing toothpaste and mouthwash to dental hygiene appointments.
Are yellow teeth a part of getting older?
As we get older, the outer layer of enamel on our teeth gradually gets worn away, which, in turn, makes dentine show more through the surface of enamel. As you age, your teeth may also lose their translucency, making them look darker.
