I have yellow teeth

Question:

My teeth are yellow in color.  I brush twice a day but [there is] no change.  I consulted the doctor and he cleaned my teeth, but the problem remains.  Please help

Answer:

Well believe it or not, somewhat yellow teeth are actually NATURAL.

Why are teeth yellow?

Your teeth are composed of enamel, dentin, pulp and cementum.  The enamel is the outer layer and is translucent.  The dentin underlies that enamel and is actually yellow in color.  Sometimes, as we age or as our enamel wears, the teeth appear more yellow.

Teeth can also appear yellow if they are holding stain.  If you are an avid coffee, wine, or tea drinker, or even a smoker, your teeth will readily hold more stain.

What should you do to whiten your teeth?

Being that you just had a cleaning; the next step can be to visit your dentist for professional whitening services.  Depending on whether the stain is external (i.e. from coffee or tea) or internal (i.e. disease/ailment or dead tooth) will determine the process that the dentist will use to whiten your teeth.

Over the Counter Teeth Whitening Systems

Also, there are plenty whitening systems that can be used over the counter and readily available at most stores.  But be careful!!  You may experience some sensitivity after the procedure and, for a couple of days after the treatment, your teeth will more readily capture stain so be sure to avoid certain foods and beverages shortly thereafter.

Remember, yellow teeth are natural, and only the media has portrayed ultra-white teeth as healthy and normal.  This is not actually true.

Hope this helps and good luck!!

I have severe tooth staining

Question:

I chew gutkha [and] that’s why my teeth have turned brown.  Please suggest any whitening tooth paste.  I am from India.

Answer:

Gutkha is a concoction of several herbs, including tobacco, and is popularly sold in India and several other countries.  Unfortunately, gutkha severely stains teeth.  Depending on where the gutkha is held in the mouth, for example under the tongue or behind the teeth, the staining can be more severe in that particular area.

Treating Gutkha Tooth Staining

The good news is that the staining is temporary and can be easily removed.  However, a semi-harsh abrasive, like pumice, will need to be used.  This can best be accomplished by visiting the dentist for a cleaning/prophylaxis.  It may be possible to remove the staining with brushing, but believe us, it will take A LOT of work on your behalf to remove all of the stain.  Also, if you brush your teeth too hard, you run the risk of removing enamel and other vital tooth structure.  So though a slight cost is attached, we believe the best and easiest way to remove the stain is to go in for a quick cleaning.

Good luck and we hope this helps

SaveMySmile Team