Most extrinsic discoloration of teeth is reversible, depending on the duration of the discolorations. If the discolorations are too old and persistent, special teeth whitening techniques may be needed. It's natural for teeth to turn slightly yellow as a person ages and their enamel wears out. There are many causes of teeth discoloration, most of which are “extrinsic” and can be corrected.
Internal tooth stains, however, are usually irreversible. To better understand the topic of yellow teeth, it's worth taking a quick look at the structure of a tooth. The most effective way to achieve a whiter, brighter smile and remove the yellow tint from your mouth is to have your teeth whitened by a professional. If you prefer to whiten your teeth from home, take-home trays are an option.
Drinking more water, brushing your teeth better and being mindful of what you consume can help prevent yellow teeth. The use of dental floss reaches up to 40% of the tooth surface where brushing does not reach, so if the teeth are not given the attention they need, they will not be properly cleaned and bacteria and substances that can stain and discolor the teeth will remain in place. Soy sauce, curry, tomato sauce, smoking and other types of tobacco can all cause teeth to turn yellow over time. At-home solutions such as whitening pastes can help eliminate surface stains that may be causing yellowing.
Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are the most commonly used components in these whitening gels that give the teeth the desired shade. Eating certain foods such as apples, celery and carrots can also help improve the whiteness of your teeth by increasing saliva production and removing food particles from the surface of your teeth. If an extrinsic stain has already occurred, you can use home whitening systems or have your teeth whitened by a professional. Orange lines or spots seen on the teeth close to the gum line usually indicate that bacteria and plaque are not being removed properly from the teeth.
