Does your smile feel less bright than it used to? It could be the daily cup of coffee or teh tarik we all love here in Singapore—or maybe dental care just hasn’t been at the top of your priority list lately.
For some, yellow teeth can be more than just a tiny worry. It can chip away at their confidence, making them self-conscious about smiling in public or interacting with others in social or work settings.
There are many reasons teeth can turn yellowish or develop stains, leaving many to wonder, “Are yellow teeth normal?” or ”Can yellow teeth become white again?”
Let’s dig into what causes yellow teeth to better understand why it happens and explore some ways that might help brighten them up.
What Causes Teeth to Turn Yellowish?
Have you been asking yourself lately, "Why are my teeth yellow?" Don’t worry, we’ve got the answers.
Some of the common causes that could be contributing to your teeth’s yellowish hue include:
- Genetics: Your genes can affect the natural colour of your teeth. For example, if your parents have thinner enamel, which exposes more of the yellowish dentin underneath, you may inherit that trait, leading to your teeth appearing more yellow.
- Ageing: Enamel gradually wears down as we age, making the yellowish dentin beneath more visible. This natural thinning of enamel occurs due to years of chewing, exposure to acids, and general wear.
- Smoking and Other Tobacco Use: Nicotine and tar from tobacco absorb into tooth enamel’s porous surface, forming yellow or brown stains. These chemicals combine with saliva, creating a sticky film that traps further staining substances.
- Teeth-staining Foods: Commonly enjoyed dishes in Singapore, like curry and laksa, contain deep pigments and oils that cling to the enamel. The yellow tint from these foods builds up over time, staining the porous surface of teeth.
- Teeth-staining Drinks: Drinks like black tea, sodas, red wine, alcohol, and coffee can lead to yellow stains on teeth due to their dark pigments and acidic content.
- Excessive Fluoride: Fluoride is ideal for keeping cavities at bay and even helps lighten the shade of your teeth. However, too much fluoride exposure can cause discolouration.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: If you don't brush and floss often enough, plaque from daily meals and snacks builds up on your teeth. This plaque eventually hardens into tartar, a yellowish layer that's tough to remove and holds onto stains from things like coffee and tea.
- Teeth Grinding: If you grind your teeth, you might be wearing down the enamel without realising it. This exposes the yellower dentin beneath, gradually giving your teeth a more yellowish look.
How to Get Rid of Yellow Teeth?
1. Brush Your Teeth Regularly
Brushing your teeth for two minutes at least twice daily is one of the simplest ways to reduce yellow discolouration and prevent new stains from forming.
For a more efficient brushing experience, you may consider the BrushCare Slim Soft Toothbrush, which features soft, fine bristles that can reach hidden areas where plaque builds up. For those who prefer smaller toothbrush heads, the BrushCare Professional Regular Soft Toothbrush and BrushCare Enamel Protect Adult Soft Toothbrush are great choices. These compact heads are designed to easily access hard-to-reach areas, particularly the back teeth, allowing for more thorough cleaning compared to larger, bulkier toothbrushes. The Enamel Protect toothbrush also features rounded bristles for added protection, especially for individuals with sensitive teeth and enamel.
The Slim Soft Toothbrush features ultra-soft bristles for a gentle yet thorough cleaning, reaching hidden areas where plaque builds up. For those seeking precise cleaning and gum protection, the Professional Regular Soft Toothbrush and Enamel Protect Adult Soft Toothbrush offer compact heads for superior maneuverability. The Enamel Protect toothbrush is specifically designed with rounded bristles to protect sensitive enamel and prevent tooth sensitivity.
2. Don’t Forget to Floss
While many prioritise brushing, regular flossing is just as important and shouldn't be overlooked. It helps clean areas that brushing might miss, especially between teeth, where plaque can lead to yellowing. So, the next time you buy toothpaste, don’t forget to pick up a floss. You can choose from options such as the FlossCare Classic Waxed Mint Floss, FlossCare Hi-Tech Waxed Mint Floss, or the FlossCare Plus PTFE Mint Floss for a complete routine.
For those looking for a more advanced solution, the Portable Water Flosser is an effective tool that takes flossing to the next level. It uses water pressure to remove dental bacteria, plaque, and food debris trapped between teeth, along the gumline, and in areas that are difficult to reach with traditional flossing or brushing. The Portable Water Flosser is especially handy for those with braces and periodontal pockets, making it an excellent addition to any dental care routine.
3. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Keeping up with regular dental checkups isn't just about cavity checks—it's also about keeping your smile bright. Your dentist may provide professional teeth cleaning, spot any early signs of dental trouble, and help you address stains before they set in.
However, if you want to give your teeth a little extra care at home, you can use the Powered Tooth Whitener & Stain Remover, which features a rotating polishing cup that gently glides across your teeth to help reduce yellow stains. It is a cordless tooth polisher and plaque cleaner that is specially designed by Pearlie White to polish away ugly tooth stains and plaque that ordinary toothbrushes cannot.
For even better results, pair it with Pearlie White’s Advanced Whitening Toothpaste or Blanc Perfect Toothpaste as part of your stain-removing and whitening regime. Convenient and easy to use from the comfort of your own home with no special skills required, the Powered Tooth Whitener & Stain Remover is perfect for maintaining your teeth between dental visits, though it’s not a substitute for professional care.
4. Make Dietary Adjustments
We all enjoy our iced coffees and flavourful curries, but if reducing those yellow stains on your teeth is a priority, you might need to make a few adjustments. When you do indulge, try using a straw to minimise contact with your teeth. Additionally, rinsing with a mouthwash after meals can help wash away any lingering particles that might cause discolouration.
For those on the go, you can opt for the Fluorinze Anti-Bacterial Fluoride Mouth Rinse, which is available in a handy 100ml travel size. While for everyday use at home, the larger 500ml and 750ml sizes are ideal. And if you’re seeking additional dental health benefits, the Fluorinze Max High Fluoride Mouth Rinse can help strengthen your teeth and remineralise enamel.
The Pearlie White Fluorinze Antibacterial Fluoride Mouth Rinse, with 500 ppm fluoride, is perfect for daily use. It helps freshen breath, eliminate plaque-causing bacteria, soothe tooth sensitivity, and strengthen enamel. Additionally, it’s infused with Tea Tree Oil and Thymol to further combat bacteria responsible for bad breath, plaque, and cavities.
For those seeking a more powerful mouthwash, the Fluorinze Max High Fluoride Mouth Rinse offers a high concentration of fluoride of 1400ppm for individuals with high levels of tooth decay. It also contains natural ingredients for added oral health benefits.
5. Avoid Smoking and Tobacco
Kicking or reducing the smoking habit can make a noticeable difference in your smile. Not only does it help prevent yellow stains from settling in your teeth, but it also keeps your gums healthy. Plus, it's always nice to have fresher breath and a lighter smile. Tough? Yes, but totally worth it.
6. Use a Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
If you’re trying to reduce yellow stains, it's ideal to buy a teeth whitening toothpaste since it’s specially formulated to address discolouration, unlike regular toothpaste.
One option is the Optimal Blanc Perfect Professional Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste, which contains ingredients like Calcium Carbonate, Papain, Pearl Powder, PVP, Sodium Silicate, and Sodium Bicarbonate. These work together to gently lift stubborn yellow stains and plaque, helping to restore your teeth’s natural brightness. For those looking for a fluoride-free option, the All Natural Whitening Toothpaste is an ideal alternative. It offers the same benefits but with a gentler formulation.
The Pearlie White Optimal Blanc Perfect Professional Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste uses a formula that contains no peroxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, alcohol, triclosan, artificial coloring, and other harsh ingredients. This is unlike other whitening toothpastes that may use titanium dioxide or peroxide to whiten teeth, which can cause excessive wear and tear on tooth enamel due to its abrasive nature, posing health risks.
Meanwhile, the Pearlie White All Natural Whitening Toothpaste is made from all-natural ingredients and is free from chemicals and artificial ingredients, making this toothpaste safe for daily use because it's formulated to be effective yet gentle.
That said, it’s important to manage your expectations when using whitening products. No one is born with perfectly white teeth, and what you often see in ads is unrealistic and achieved through cosmetic procedures or professional dental whitening. Whitening toothpaste can help brighten your smile, but it won't make your teeth unnaturally white like those seen on TV.
Brighten Your Smile, One Step at a Time
As we've explored, addressing yellow teeth requires a commitment to good dental hygiene, regular professional dental care, and mindful living habits. To further enhance your efforts, consider integrating teeth whitening products from oral care brands in Singapore, like Pearlie White, into your daily oral hygiene routine to manage discolouration and help maintain a bright, healthy smile every day. Start your journey towards a pearly white smile today!