How to Get Rid of Yellow Stains on Teeth?

Of course, wanting our teeth to be snow white is not a luxury or privilege. However, although everyone's desire is to have sparkling teeth, it is not easy to achieve and maintain it for a long time. It is necessary to effectively combat yellow stains on the teeth, which is almost everyone's problem.

Having snow-white teeth is of great importance in terms of aesthetics, psychological, social or health. However, many digital platforms describe controversial or very limited whitening methods about home teeth whitening (Activated charcoal, Coconut oil pulling, Apple cider vinegar, Fruit enzymes etc.). In this article, we will answer the question of how to get rid of yellow stains on the teeth at home with completely scientific and proven methods. First of all, let's talk about the causes.

What causes yellow stains on teeth?

There may be many reasons for the formation of yellow stains on the teeth. Some of these are as follows:

• Oral Hygiene Problems: Failure to brush the teeth regularly and with sufficient time causes the accumulation of food residues and plaque formation on the tooth surface over time. On this unhealthy ground, bacterial growth begins to be observed and discolouration of the teeth occurs.
• Smoking: Using tobacco products is one of the most important factors that cause yellow stains on the teeth. Chemicals in cigarette smoke accumulate on tooth enamel and cause yellow stains.
• Consumption of Dark Coloured Drinks: Intensive consumption of dark-coloured beverages such as tea, coffee and red wine can change the colour of tooth enamel.
• Old Age: With the advancement of age, the tooth enamel naturally weakens and as a result, the teeth begin to appear yellow.
• Drug Use: Long-term use of certain medications in childhood, which is the period of tooth development, can change the colour of the teeth.
• Genetic Structure: Tooth colour can be in different shades according to the inherited characteristics. Some people have genetically white teeth, while others may have teeth in different shades of yellow.

How do yellow spots on the teeth go away?

There are 2 reasons why teeth appear yellow. The first one is the result of factors such as stains, tartar and plaque that occur on the teeth over time due to the reasons mentioned above. Secondly, the natural colour of your teeth is yellow, that is, it looks yellow even if there are no stains.

If we explain with an example, in the first one, you have a white outfit and it looks yellow due to different stains on it. In the second, you have a yellow outfit. It looks yellow with or without stains. When you clean the white clothes from stains, it will look white, but when you clean your yellow clothes from stains, it will still look yellow.

The first method we will talk about below provides relative whitening only by abrading the stains on the teeth. The effectiveness of the second method is limited. The others are the most effective whitening methods that can be done at home, even if the tooth's own colour is yellow. So how do I get rid of yellow stains on teeth at home?

1- Carbonate (Baking soda)

Baking soda is an abrasive substance. Abrasion may not sound pleasant when it is mentioned. So, does using baking soda damage the teeth? According to current research, baking soda is not a very aggressive and harmful abrasive. In fact, this depends on how you use it. It is extremely harmful to use baking soda with acidic substances such as vinegar and lemon or by pulverising and mixing coal and eggshells.

There is a lot of misinformation about this subject on the internet. Applying the methods you see on digital platforms and telling you that you can easily whiten your teeth at home is to gamble with your health. Baking soda only removes the stains on the tooth. My recommendation is that if you insist on using baking soda, you should choose carbonated toothpaste instead.

2- Whitening toothpastes

Whitening toothpastes can not only remove stains but also whiten teeth. So even if your clothes are yellow, it provides a certain amount of whitening. Of course, the content of the toothpaste comes into play here. One of the most important substances for whitening is peroxides and especially hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a healthy method that can provide permanent whitening without damaging your teeth. If your toothpaste contains hydrogen peroxide or substances from the peroxide group, then it can provide whitening.

Peroxides do not damage the teeth, but damage the gums and soft tissue. For this reason, the amount contained in toothpastes is at a rate that will not harm the gums. Therefore, the whitening effectiveness of toothpastes also decreases.

So far, we have talked about methods with limited effectiveness. The following 2 methods are the most effective whitening methods that can be done at home.

3- Teeth whitening strips

Teeth whitening strips are a really effective method that you can apply alone at home. Teeth whitening strips provide effective whitening thanks to their hydrogen peroxide content.

Properties and usage of teeth whitening strips: Teeth whitening strips are generally transparent and are produced in accordance with the upper and lower teeth. There are whitening agents on the surfaces to be adhered to the teeth. In order for these substances to be effective, it is important to follow the instructions for use and keep them for the recommended time. Improper use may cause teeth not to whiten sufficiently. In order to maintain the effectiveness of the strips for a long time, it is necessary to repeat the application at regular intervals.

How to use teeth whitening strips: Before using the strips, the teeth should be cleaned by brushing. After brushing, the strips should be waited at least half an hour before sticking to the teeth. Each brand may have different waiting times, so the instructions should be read carefully. After the strips is removed, the mouth should be rinsed with plenty of water and the teeth should be brushed again.

Possible damages of teeth whitening strips: Improper use can lead to serious problems such as tooth enamel erosion, increased sensitivity and even tooth loss. It is important to follow the instructions for use and avoid swallowing gel. After oral care, the teeth should be brushed again and the mouth should be thoroughly cleaned after applying the patch.

2 important warnings: If you have caries, cracks and similar conditions on your teeth, it is not correct to use tooth whitening strip. Do not keep the whitening strip on your teeth for too long. Strictly follow the recommended instructions for use of each brand.

4- Home bleaching (Home bleaching gels)

The safest and most permanent results are obtained with water-containing whitening gels and dentist-controlled methods. While office-type teeth whitening gives fast results in the dentist's office, home-type whitening is applied with special plaques and gels prepared by the dentist. In both methods, teeth whitening is achieved without damaging the tooth enamel.

Use and Properties of Teeth Whitening Gel: Yellowing and staining of teeth are commonly seen due to reasons such as smoking and excessive consumption of colouring foods/drinks. Teeth whitening gels are used when toothpastes are not sufficient. These gels contain bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide and provide whitening without damaging the tooth enamel. It lasts for about 4 months.

Method of Use: In office-type teeth whitening, gels are applied by the dentist and activated with light sources. In home whitening, the gel is applied to the plaques prepared by the dentist and kept on the teeth for certain periods of time. In these methods, tartar and tartar should be cleaned beforehand.

Teeth Whitening Gels and Products: Teeth whitening gels are available in different forms (kits, pens, strips) and mostly contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. The gels are applied to the tooth enamel and provide a safe whitening of the teeth. Non-standardised products should not be used; otherwise, dental health can be put at risk.

Things to Consider: Although teeth whitening gel whitens teeth without damage, it is important to use products that meet the appropriate quality standards. Poor-quality products can damage teeth. It is recommended to apply fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel after teeth whitening.

Warning: Although teeth whitening gel is a home whitening method, it requires at least 1 dentist appointment because the gel is used by applying it to the dental plate specially designed for your teeth.

How to prevent yellow stains on teeth?

If you are complaining about yellow stains on your teeth, you should first do the following:

Ensure Regular Dental Hygiene: First of all, you should brush your teeth regularly and do not allow plaque formation on the tooth surface. Flossing is also an effective method in this regard.

Use the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Use a toothbrush and toothpaste suitable for your tooth structure in consultation with your dentist.

Limit Dark Coloured Drinks: The cause of yellow stains on your teeth may be dark-coloured drinks such as tea, coffee and red wine. For this reason, limit the consumption of these drinks. Try to stay away for 2 weeks after the whitening process.

Use Teeth Whitening Products: You can use teeth whitening products. These can be teeth whitening strips and gels. However, always use the products recommended by your dentist.

Have Regular Dentist Checks: Have regular dentist checks to take early precautions against yellowing of the teeth.