Overview
Tooth discoloration is subtle and gradual. Some yellow may be inevitable.
Especially with age, teeth become more yellow or darker. As the outer enamel wears away, the underlying yellow dentin becomes more visible. Dentin is the second layer of calcified tissue beneath the outer layer of enamel.
If you’re looking to whiten your teeth, you have options other than traditional methods.
Be careful when whitening at home, as the product can damage your teeth if used incorrectly or for too long. You can wear down your enamel too much, putting it at risk for sensitivity and cavities.
How to treat yellow teeth
Here are seven natural ways to get rid of yellow teeth.
It’s best to choose a few treatments and rotate them over the course of a week. Some of the tips below don’t have research to back them up, but have proven effective through anecdotal reports.
Experiment to find the solution that works for you.
- Brush your teeth
Your first plan should be to brush your teeth more often and properly. It is especially important to brush your teeth after consuming foods and drinks that cause yellowing.
However, be careful when washing immediately after consuming acidic foods or drinks. Direct washing can cause acid to remove the enamel and cause wear.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes. Be sure to get into all the cracks and crevices. Brush your teeth gently in a circular motion to make sure your gums are protected. Brush the inside, outside and chewing surfaces of your teeth.
A 2018 study has scientifically proven that brushing with whitening toothpaste can whiten your smile. These whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives to brush your teeth to remove surface stains, but are gentle enough to be safe.
Using an electric toothbrush is more effective at removing surface stains.
- Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
Using a paste made with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide will remove plaque build-up, bacteria, and stains.
Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. After washing with this paste, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. You can also make a mouthwash using the same ratio of ingredients. Or you can try baking soda with water.
You can buy baking soda and hydrogen peroxide online. You can also buy A 2012 study found that people who used toothpaste containing baking soda and peroxide had better stain removal and whiter teeth. They showed significant improvement after 6 weeks.
A 2017 study concluded that baking soda-based toothpastes are effective in removing stains and whitening teeth, are safe, and can be used daily.
- Extract coconut oil
Coconut oil pulling removes plaque and bacteria from the mouth, which helps whiten teeth. Always buy high-quality, organic oils that you can buy online that are free of harmful ingredients.
Swish 1-2 teaspoons of liquid coconut oil in your mouth for 10-30 minutes. Do not let the oil touch the back of your throat. Do not swallow oil that contains toxins and bacteria from your mouth.
Spit it into the toilet or wastebasket as it may clog the drain. Rinse your mouth with water and then drink a glass of water. Then brush your teeth.
There are no specific studies that have proven that oil pulling has teeth whitening benefits.
However, a 2015 study found that oil pulling using sesame oil and sunflower oil reduced gingivitis caused by plaque. Oil pulling can also help whiten teeth because plaque build-up can cause teeth to turn yellow.
More research is needed on the effectiveness of oil pulling with coconut oil.
- Apple cider vinegar
A very small amount of apple cider vinegar can be used to whiten teeth.
Make a mouthwash by mixing 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with 6 ounces of water. Swirl the solution for 30 seconds. Then rinse with water and brush your teeth.
Buy apple cider vinegar at the store.
A study published in 2014 found that apple cider vinegar can whiten teeth in cows.
However, it should be noted that it may damage the hardness and surface structure of the teeth. So use it with caution and only for short periods of time. More human studies are needed to expand on these findings.