Brushing your teeth is a crucial part of your oral care routine. However, when you brush twice a day but don’t see a change in the brightness of your smile, you may find yourself worried about the effectiveness of your routine. Why are your teeth still yellow—even when you brush every single day?
Most people don’t realize that teeth usually aren’t naturally white. They’re often an off-white or yellowish colour due to the underlying dentin layer. However, this doesn’t mean a bright white smile is unachievable; with your dentist’s help, you can try professional teeth whitening to achieve a smile you love.
Are Teeth Supposed to Naturally Be White?
Your teeth are made up of several layers. There’s the inner root and pulp, the dentin, and then the enamel that protects the more sensitive inner layers.
This outer layer of enamel is often thought to be naturally white, but this isn’t quite the case. The enamel has a slightly translucent quality that often reveals the dentin inside, which is typically a yellow or off-white hue instead of white. This is why your teeth often appear discoloured, even with proper oral hygiene.
If your teeth appear yellow despite regular brushing, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re unhealthy. It simply means that various factors—many of which are outside your control—are at play.
What Causes Stains on Teeth?
Even if your dentin isn’t causing the discolouration, it could still be due to an unexpected source. The colour of your teeth can be changed by:
- Extrinsic stains, where the enamel is discoloured.
- Intrinsic stains, which affect the inner layers of the teeth.
But what causes these stains?
Food and Drinks
Food and drinks are one of the most common causes of extrinsic stains. Many foods and beverages include staining compounds that stick to the surface of your teeth. These can be difficult to remove with inadequate care. Some common culprits of staining include:
- Coffee, tea, and red wine, which contain tannins known to cause staining
- Berries and tomatoes, which contain strong pigments known to discolour enamel.
- Sugary drinks, which can erode enamel and make your teeth more susceptible to staining.
If these foods and drinks are a staple in your diet, it helps to try to reduce how much you consume. You can also try rinsing your mouth after eating, or brush your teeth to reduce any buildup.
Smoking
Smoking—or using tobacco of any kind—introduces harmful chemicals to your body. The host of side effects caused by smoking are well-known.
As the nicotine and tar in cigarettes seep into the enamel of your teeth, they cause a visible buildup that can be difficult to remove without professional help. This also increases the risk of decay and damage to the teeth, which can cause further discolouration.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Whenever you brush your teeth, you’re removing plaque and bacteria buildup from their surfaces. However, even if you brush every day, you could still be missing certain areas in the mouth, thereby allowing these bacteria to build up.
This can lead to a yellowish film on the enamel, and can also increase the risk of cavities and disease in your mouth. This is why a proper oral care routine is so important.
To maintain your oral health, make sure that you always:
- Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day for 2 minutes at a time. Use a fluoride-based toothpaste, as this strengthens the teeth. You can also look for a toothpaste that offers whitening properties to boost your natural smile.
- Floss once a day to dislodge any stuck food particles.
- Use antibacterial mouthwash to kill residual bacteria in the mouth.
- Rinse your mouth with water after eating and drinking.
However, if you perform all of these steps every day, but still aren’t satisfied with your smile, it might be time to think about professional teeth whitening.
How to Whiten Your Teeth
You may have heard of take-home teeth whitening kits designed to give you a bright, shining smile. However, while these kits can be effective for removing light surface stains, they can’t remove any intrinsic stains from your teeth. This is why professional whitening services exist.
When you visit our team for professional teeth whitening, we’ll begin with a quick consultation to discuss your aesthetic goals. We’ll examine your teeth to determine the right approach going forward, and we’ll begin your appointment.
The steps are simple:
- First, we’ll perform a thorough cleaning procedure to remove any plaque and tartar. This increases the effectiveness of the whitening treatment.
- Next, a professional-grade whitening gel is applied to your teeth.
- Finally, a special light is used to activate this gel, which begins breaking down staining particles on the teeth without causing damage to the enamel.
After your appointment, we’ll offer tips and tricks for maintaining your new, brighter smile. We also recommend regular follow-up appointments to monitor your results! This way, you can enjoy a quick and long-lasting smile, with results lasting for months—and even years—if you take care of your teeth.
Find a Smile You Love
You deserve a smile you can be proud of, and our team at West 85th Dental is here to help you reach this goal. With our help, you can find a smile you love, and enjoy a new, white smile. Book an appointment with our team today, and let’s work together to keep your teeth shining bright.
