Patients often ask our Naperville dentists, “Why are my teeth yellow when I brush them every day?” We get it, it’s frustrating to put in the oral hygiene work and not be rewarded with a bright, white smile. Unfortunately, while brushing at least twice a day is essential for oral health, it’s not always enough to prevent or reverse all types of tooth discoloration.
In this post, we’ll talk about why your teeth may be turning yellow and the most effective ways to eliminate stains.
What Causes Teeth Stains?
Before we look further at the causes of yellow teeth, specifically, it’s helpful to know the two primary types of tooth discoloration:
- Extrinsic Stains
These are surface stains caused by external factors like coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, or dark-colored foods. Even with regular brushing, the pigments in certain foods and drinks can cling to your enamel over time, dulling your smile. - Intrinsic Stains
These occur beneath the surface and are often harder to address. Intrinsic discoloration may result from aging, medications, genetics, or trauma to the teeth.
Why are My Teeth Turning Yellow?
There are several reasons your teeth can be yellow even though you brush them every day, including:
- Diet: Frequent consumption of stain-causing foods and drinks can lead to discoloration.
- Aging: As you age, enamel thins, exposing the dentin underneath, which is a yellowish color.
- Enamel Erosion: Bite misalignment, teeth grinding, too many acidic foods and beverages, and brushing too hard can wear down the enamel, allowing the yellow dentin to show through.
- Oral Hygiene: Brushing alone won’t remove deeper-set stains. Additionally, yellow teeth near the gums can signal plaque buildup. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it can’t be eliminated at home. You’ll need a professional cleaning to get rid of it.
- Lifestyle Habits: Smoking and chewing tobacco are major causes of teeth stains, including yellow discoloration.
Medications: Certain antibiotics, antihistamines, and chemotherapy treatments can cause intrinsic stains.
How to Remove Yellow Stains from Teeth
Now that we’ve discussed what could be behind the discoloration, let’s explore how to get rid of yellow teeth and restore your smile’s brightness. The good news is, there are plenty of effective solutions. While the right treatment depends on the cause and severity of the stains, here are the options:
- Professional Dental Cleaning
If your teeth are yellow near the gums due to tartar buildup, schedule a professional dental cleaning. During a cleaning, the hygienist uses special tools to remove soft and hard plaque. They also clean and polish your teeth, which helps to remove minor surface stains, making your teeth look whiter. - Professional Teeth Whitening
When it comes to how to whiten teeth, over-the-counter white strips and trays don’t compare to the power of professional teeth whitening. At Naperville Dental Specialists, we offer in-office whitening using a professional-grade solution to significantly brighten your smile in a single session. This is a fantastic option to remove stubborn tooth stains, both surface stains and some deeper-set discoloration. - Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Cosmetic bonding is a simple, affordable, non-invasive treatment. If you have an intrinsic stain on a tooth or a few teeth with yellow areas, bonding could be an option. The dentist applies a tooth-colored composite resin to the affected area, hiding the stain. After they shape and polish the material, it will blend in with your natural enamel. - Porcelain Veneers
For severe discoloration, intrinsic stains, or several concerns (i.e., yellow teeth along with chips, enamel wear, small gaps, or minor misalignment), veneers are a game-changer. These thin, custom shells are bonded to the front of your teeth to create a flawless appearance. With porcelain veneers, our dentists can mask multiple cosmetic imperfections with one treatment. - Invisalign®
While Invisalign won’t remove yellow stains from your teeth, it will improve the appearance of your smile and create optimal spacing and alignment. This can help to reduce enamel erosion and, in some cases, improve teeth grinding, which will prevent the discoloration from getting worse. Once your teeth are straight, you can follow up with professional whitening.
How to Get Rid of Yellow Teeth for Good
If you’re serious about tackling discoloration, it’s important to combine professional treatment with good oral hygiene. Here’s how to whiten teeth in the long-term:
- Schedule a Consultation: The first step is to visit the dentist. A professional assessment can determine what’s causing your yellow teeth and the best way to treat it. Attempting to remove yellow stains that don’t respond to brushing and flossing on your own can backfire. For example, if the issue is from enamel wear, using an abrasive whitening toothpaste will cause further damage and discoloration.
- Get Professional Treatment: Whether it’s a simple fix like a professional dental cleaning or whitening treatment or a true smile makeover with veneers or Invisalign, the experts at Naperville Dental Specialists will create a tailored treatment plan that meets your needs.
- Maintain Your Smile: To make the most of your treatment and ensure your results last:
- Reduce your intake of stain-causing foods and drinks
- Quit smoking or chewing tobacco
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Floss once daily
- Use a fluoride mouthwash
- Visit the dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and exam
Don’t Let Yellow Teeth Dull Your Smile
Whether you’re dealing with surface stains, intrinsic discoloration, or enamel issues, we have the expertise and solutions to help. For a limited time, we’re offering big savings on our Naperville cosmetic dentistry treatments, including:
- Professional Teeth Whitening for Just $89
- 15% OFF Porcelain Veneers (when purchasing 4 or more)
- $750 OFF Invisalign
Let us help you achieve the brilliant smile you deserve. Book your consultation today to take advantage of our special offers!
