Yellow teeth are a very common concern among patients. It can make a person feel conscious about their appearance.

Yellow teeth are usually caused by consumption of foods and beverages that leave the teeth stained. The most common examples are tobacco, wines, and soft drinks that damage the surface of the teeth and make them discoloured. Also, as the patient ages, the enamel or the outermost layer of the teeth starts to degrade, exposing the dentin which is yellowish in colour. Bacterial and germ build-up is also a possible cause of yellow teeth.

There are several ways in which the patient can whiten yellow teeth. Some of these are whitening treatments, dietary exclusions, and simple methods for the maintenance of teeth. Let us try to understand them in more detail.

Brushing teeth regularly

Brushing teeth regularly is an underrated form of keeping the teeth stain-free and germ-free. Patients are advised to take their time every day to clean their teeth well. It typically requires a few minutes for thorough cleaning.

Also, flossing the teeth, and using good mouthwash are also recommended. Both these along with regular brushing help ensure that there are no food particles left in the mouth, so a bacterial attack is not possible, hence the teeth remain white and bright.

While brushing, you must be gentle with the teeth. The teeth should be cleansed with circular motions, focusing on areas that are hidden and hard to reach, as most of the germ build-up takes place in such places.

Dietary restrictions

Certain foods and beverages like sweets, chocolates, carbonated soft drinks, etc. can make the teeth heavily stained if consumed regularly. Also, nicotinic substances like cigarettes and tobacco are responsible for staining teeth. Wine is also a common beverage that can stain the teeth permanently if consumed excessively.

Although not entirely responsible, such foods and beverages are a major contributor to the discoloration of teeth. Limiting the consumption of such materials will help the patient in keeping the teeth clean. If the patient follows regular practices for keeping the teeth clean, the teeth will surely whiten and become brightened.

Exclusion of tobacco, and other nicotinic substances and lessened consumption of alcoholic beverages are very helpful in improvising the appearance of the teeth. However, another advantage of such restriction is enhanced health of the patient, as most of the nicotinic and alcoholic substances are addictive in nature and can cause permanent damage to the patient’s health.

Using specialized products

Products containing an appropriate concentration of whitening agents are suitable for whitening teeth. These whitening agents could be peroxides of various concentrations which can help on lightening the colour of the teeth. Such products are easily available in the market, and many dentists also prescribe them.

The most common products recommended to patients are teeth whitening toothpastes containing salts of peroxides and chlorides. These ingredients help in actively bleaching the teeth when they are used regularly.

Another commonly recommended product is a good mouthwash that helps in fighting bacteria. As we know that bacterial build-up can damage both the health of the teeth as well as the colour, a good antibacterial mouthwash can help protect the teeth and help fight germs. Whitening strips are also commonly prescribed.

Whitening strips

The quickest way to whiten teeth is by using good-quality whitening strips. These strips take just a few minutes to brighten the teeth without a toothbrush and water. They are perhaps the most convenient method to clean the teeth as the patient can use them on the go.

All that you have to do is stick the strip flatly, covering the surface of the teeth. Then remove the strip to reveal whiter teeth.

Whitening strips contain a formula containing a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide or other peroxides which act as bleaching agents. When these peroxides are directly applied to the teeth, the teeth are instantly whitened. Whitening strips are easily available and do not cost much, making them the most convenient teeth whitening option available.

Tray-based tooth whitening

A mouthguard-like tray is filled with a whitening solution, and the patient is supposed to wear it over the teeth just like Invisalign aligners. The whitening solution in the tray usually contains peroxide salts or chloride salts, which are well-known bleaching agents. Direct contact with the surface of the teeth, these help in the effective whitening of teeth.

The patient is recommended to wear the tray for a couple of hours for a few days or weeks, depending on the intensity of the discoloration. For severe discoloration, the patients are recommended to wear whitening trays during sleeping. The duration of this whitening treatment may also be extended for severe cases. However, teeth whitening from these trays will not take more than 5 weeks. Tray-based teeth whiteners are easily available at the pharmacy and are pocket friendly.

In-office teeth whitening

If the patient wants guaranteed results and sparkling teeth, an in-office treatment is the best option. Not only the teeth are professionally cleaned, but the results are also long-lasting. The procedure is completed within a span of a few hours.

The in-office whitening treatment begins with a thorough examination of the mouth.

If the dentist observes any complications, the patient will be recommended to get appropriate treatment. If there are no complications, the dentist may begin the procedure.

A whitening solution containing bleaching agents like sodium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide, and chloride salts is applied on the surface of the teeth. It is made to sit on the teeth for a few minutes. Then the bleaching agents are activated with the help of laser light. The teeth are kept exposed to the light for a few minutes and are continuously observed for a change of shade. The laser light is removed as soon as the desired shade of teeth is achieved. The whitening solution is washed off, and the patient walks away with a set of newly whitened, beautiful teeth.

Which teeth whitening option are you considering? Talk to your dentist so you can make the best decision.