Key Highlights: 

• Multiple factors contribute to yellow teeth. 
• Extrinsic stains are caused by everyday habits, foods, and tobacco use. 
• Intrinsic stains are related to medications, fluorosis, and genetics. 
• Effective dental hygiene may help avoid teeth yellowing. 
• Home remedies include brushing techniques, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and apple cider vinegar. 
• Professional teeth whitening methods include whitening toothpaste, tray-based whiteners, and in-office dental  procedures.  

Introduction 

Oral health plays a crucial role in our overall well-being, but numerous misconceptions persist about the factors that cause yellow teeth. Understanding the science behind these factors is essential for identifying suitable teeth-whitening methods. 

In this article, we will examine the various causes of yellow teeth, debunk common myths, and address management strategies. Additionally, we will provide an overview of professional teeth whitening methods, as well as home remedies and answer some frequently asked questions. 

What Causes Yellow Teeth 

Teeth yellowing can occur due to both outer (extrinsic) and inner (intrinsic) stains. They are elaborated below.  

1. Extrinsic Stains 

Extrinsic stains can appear on the enamel. This is the outer layer of the tooth. Everyday habits, foods, and drinks can lead to these stains. 

• Everyday habits: Bad oral hygiene can cause plaque build-up, leading to yellow teeth. Regular brushing and flossing may keep teeth white. 
• Food and beverages: Eating or drinking dark-coloured items creates  staining. Items like coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and some sauces can do so. Highly acidic foods and drinks also cause yellowing. 
• Smoking and tobacco: These habits lead to yellowish stains on teeth because of tar and nicotine. 

2. Intrinsic Stains 

Intrinsic stains happen inside the tooth, in the dentin. They can be a challenge to remove. The causes are as follows. 

• Medicines: Some antibiotics can stain teeth if consumed while teeth are emerging for example tetracycline antibiotics. 
• Fluorosis: This is caused by too much fluoride. It leads to yellow or brownish-yellow spots on the teeth. 
• Aging: As we get older, the tooth enamel gets thinner. This uncovers the natural yellow dentine. 
• Genetics: Some of us inherit thin enamel or yellow dentine. This can lead to yellow teeth. 
• Dental injuries: Tooth accidents can result in staining due to internal bleeding. 

Avoiding and Managing Yellow Teeth 

Good oral hygiene and lifestyle changes may help avoid and manage yellow teeth. 

1. Dental Hygiene Practices 

Taking good care of our mouth may help keep our teeth white. This can be done in the following ways.  

• Brush properly: Brush gently twice every day, for two minutes each. Make sure you cover all teeth and gums. 
• Floss: Do this at least once a day to get rid of food and plaque between teeth. 
• Regular dental checkups: By visiting the dentist twice a year, we may reduce, and act on any possible causes of yellow teeth. 

2. Diet and Habits 

Changing our diet may also help reduce stains and keep tooth color in check. This can be done in the following ways.  

• Limit stain-causing food and drinks: Cut back on dark-coloured and acidic foods and drinks that stain teeth. 
• Quit smoking: By not smoking or using tobacco products, you may stop yellow stains from building up. 
• Stay hydrated: Drinking water regularly helps create saliva. This helps wash away food that can stain teeth. 
   

In my opinion, make an appointment with a dentist straight away if you are experiencing any symptoms in addition to yellow teeth, such as discomfort, foul breath, bleeding gums, or gaps in your teeth. Early management of these problems might help you avoid developing more severe oral health issues down the road.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

Home Remedies for Yellow Teeth 

Trying out home remedies may help whiten teeth. Always discuss with your dentist first before incorporating any of these methods. 

1. Brushing Your Teeth 

That’s right, brushing is a “remedy” too. However, it’s important to choose the right tools for this.  

• Toothpaste type: Get one that has baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. They remove stains and whiten teeth. 
• Electric vs. manual toothbrushes: Electric toothbrushes scrub out surface stains better than manual brushes. 

2. Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide 

A mix of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide gets rid of plaque and bacteria. This reduces stains. 

• How it works: Both substances work together to clean and whiten teeth. 
• How to use it: Mix two parts hydrogen peroxide and one part baking soda. Brush your teeth with this mix. Rinse your mouth well with water  afterward. 
• Precautions: Be careful when using hydrogen peroxide. It can hurt your teeth and cause sensitivity if you use it too much or the wrong way. Always run it by your dentist before incorporating the method into your daily routine.  

3. Coconut Oil Pulling 

This technique reduces plaque, which may lead to less yellowing: 

• Benefits: It may help get rid of bacteria, toxins, and plaque in the mouth. 
• Procedure: Hold one to two teaspoons of liquid coconut oil in your mouth for 10 to 30 minutes. Do not swallow it. 
• Best results are seen when done regularly. Avoid the method if you are allergic to coconut. Always check with your dentist once before doing oil pulling regularly to ensure its safe for your specific oral health status.  
   

4. Apple Cider Vinegar 

Small doses of apple cider vinegar may reduce staining.  

• How it works?: Its mild acid may help break down stains. 
• Usage: Mix two teaspoons of vinegar with six ounces of water. Gargle for 30 seconds. Rinse your mouth and brush your teeth after this. 
• Precautions: Apple cider vinegar can hurt tooth enamel. More studies need to be done on its safety and effect on teeth whitening. 

5. Fruit Peels 

Some believe that rubbing fruit peels on teeth may make them whiter.  

• Choosing the right peels: Use peels from oranges, lemons, or bananas. These have d-limonene or citric acid, which may whiten teeth. 
• What to do?: Gently rub the peels on your teeth for two minutes. 
• After each use rinse your mouth and brush your teeth. 

6. Activated Charcoal 

With its absorbing properties, activated charcoal may lift stains from teeth.: 

• How it works?: It can absorb stains and pigments off the tooth surface. 
• How to use?: Empty a capsule of activated charcoal onto your toothbrush and brush your teeth with it for two minutes. Rinse your mouth with water afterwards. 
• Safety note: Discuss with your dentist first. Overusing activated charcoal can damage tooth enamel and increase sensitivity or cavities. 
   

A 2007 study has discovered that periodontitis, or the accumulation of bacteria on the teeth and gums, might get worse if a person is deficient in vitamin C. The accumulation of bacteria leads to discolouration. Therefore, I suggest maintaining a healthy vitamin C intake, as it may help to minimise yellowing of teeth.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Professional Teeth Whitening Options 

For stronger teeth-whitening, think about these options from your dentist. These are described below.  

1. Whitening Toothpaste 

These toothpastes may remove surface stains and improve tooth color.  

• What makes them work?: Their stronger ingredients scrub out food stains better than usual toothpastes. 
• Pros and cons: While they work well in making teeth whiter, overuse or wrong use can lead to tooth sensitivity or enamel damage. 
   

2. Tray-Based Tooth Whiteners 

This method your dentist may provide or you can buy over the counter. It may lighten teeth.  

• How it’s used?: Apply bleaching gel in a tray fitted over your teeth for two to four hours daily, or overnight. 
• Benefits and challenges: It lightens teeth by a shade or two but may also lead to tooth sensitivity and gum pain if misused. 
   

3. Whitening Strips 

These strips deposit a thin coat of peroxide gel on the teeth, making them white.  

• How they work?: They can be worn twice a day for 30 minutes to wash away stains and make teeth whiter. 
• Usage and risks: Results will differ from person to person and applying them wrongly can cause tooth sensitivity or gum pain. 
   

4. Whitening Rinses 

Whitening rinses usually whiten teeth by a shade or two.  

• How they work?: Hydrogen peroxide in the rinse acts on stains to lift them off the teeth. 
• Upsides and downsides: They’re easy to use and do a good job of taking out stains. However, results may take up to three months and overuse can lead to tooth sensitivity. 
   

5. In-Office Dental Whitening 

This is a method you can get done for teeth whitening which has to be carried out by your dentist only.  

• How it’s done?: The dentist uses heavy-duty whitening methods like laser for a brighter smile. 
• Costs: These methods are expensive.  
• Results and dangers: While they yield the best results, these procedures may cause tooth sensitivity and enamel damage. 
   

Researchers have found that swishing or oil pulling with coconut oil may be a useful method for lowering dental plaque. To my knowledge, pulling coconut oil may lessen discolouration since plaque accumulation may cause yellowing. However, talk to your dentist before you begin doing this regularly.

Dr. Smita barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

Conclusion 

Various factors contribute to yellow teeth, both extrinsic and intrinsic. Understanding the causes and implementing measures such as proper dental hygiene and dietary adjustments may help maintain tooth whiteness. 

Incorporating home remedies and professional teeth whitening methods may effectively address yellow teeth.  Always discuss your options with your dentist for safe methods that protect against enamel damage or tooth sensitivity. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

References: 

1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Prevention of tea-induced extrinsic tooth stain [Internet]. [cited 2023 Oct 17]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25040739 

2. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Effectiveness of a new dentifrice with baking soda and peroxide in removing extrinsic stain and whitening teeth [Internet]. [cited 2023 Oct 17]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23210419 

3. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Java project on periodontal diseases: the relationship between vitamin C and the severity of periodontitis [Internet]. [cited 2023 Oct 17]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17378886 

4. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Efficacy of Extrinsic Stain Removal by Novel Dentifrice Containing Papain and Bromelain Extracts [Internet]. [cited 2023 Oct 17]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573376 

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6. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Effect of coconut oil in plaque related gingivitis — A preliminary report [Internet]. [cited 2023 Oct 17]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4382606 

7. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Tooth Whitening: What We Now Know [Internet]. [cited 2023 Oct 17]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4058574 

8. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Efficacy and safety of over-the-counter whitening strips as compared to home-whitening with 10 % carbamide peroxide gel–systematic review of RCTs and metanalysis [Internet]. [cited 2023 Oct 17]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26245272 

9. National Health Service (NHS). How to keep your teeth clean [Internet]. [cited 2023 Oct 17]. Available from: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/dentalhealth/Pages/Teethcleaningguide.aspx 

10. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Effect of toothpaste containing d-limonene on natural extrinsic smoking stain: a 4-week clinical trial [Internet]. [cited 2023 Oct 17]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21250568 

11. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Efficacy and Adverse Effects of Whitening Dentifrices Compared With Other Products: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis [Internet]. [cited 2023 Oct 17]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31738695 

12. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Charcoal-containing dentifrices [Internet]. [cited 2023 Oct 17]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31076703 

13. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Whitening dentifrice and tooth surface discoloration-a systematic review and meta-analysis [Internet]. [cited 2023 Oct 17]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28573755 

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