In The News

How To Get Rid Of Yellow Stains On Teeth

how-to-get-rid-of-yellow-stains-on-teeth

Contact us now to discuss dental teeth whitening treatments, costs, and pay monthly finance options.

Whether it’s the result of poor oral hygiene, diet or something else, yellowing teeth is a source of embarrassment for many patients, driving them to seek whitening solutions. The right teeth whitening treatment for you will depend on the type of stain you have and its severity. So, how do you get rid of yellow stains on teeth? Let’s discuss your options.

What causes yellow teeth?

Many automatically assume that yellow teeth are caused by a lack of brushing. While this is the case for some patients, there are actually many different contributing factors of discolouration.

  • Diet: Certain food and drinks are recognised to stain the teeth, including caffeine and tomato-based sauces.
  • Age: As we age, our enamel naturally thins. This then increases the risk of staining and discolouration.
  • Poor oral hygiene: If you do not brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar begins to build-up on the teeth and make them appear yellow.
  • Genetics: The natural colour and translucency of the tooth is largely impacted by genetics.
  • Smoking and vaping: The nicotine and tar found in cigarettes and vapes is known to discolour smiles at a rapid rate.
  • Injury: Trauma to the tooth can damage its blood vessels and nerves, sometimes causing the tooth to darken or turn yellow.
  • Medications: Some medications are believed to have a yellowing and staining effect on teeth, like antihistamines.

Intrinsic vs extrinsic tooth stains

Intrinsic stains start inside the tooth. It is usually a result of things such as medication, injury and certain health conditions, and is trickier to treat than extrinsic. Extrinsic, on the other hand, refers to the staining of the enamel, the hard outer layer of the tooth. It is caused by something that comes into contact with the tooth, such as food and tobacco. If you are unsure about which treatment is the most suitable, consult with your dentist. We have compiled the below to help you make an informed decision.


Intrinsic

Extrinsic

Internal tooth bleaching

Teeth whitening kits

Prescription whitening products

Whitening strips, pens and toothpastes

Enamel microabrasion

Hygienist appointments

Porcelain veneers

Natural teeth whitening

Dental bonding

In-clinic procedures

Tips on how to whiten yellow teeth

A question the experts at Yorkshire Dental Suite commonly receive is, can yellow teeth become white again? The answer is yes. There are many treatments available that will help to get rid of your yellow teeth colour.

In-clinic teeth whitening

For patients looking to whiten their teeth in a short period of time, consider booking an appointment with a qualified administrator in a private dental office. Using high-grade bleaching gels and special lights and lasers, your dentist is able to deliver an instant whitening effect.

At-home teeth whitening kit

Is your smile looking a little yellow? On teeth whitening (another way to say extrinsic whitening) can be addressed with a dentist-led kit. Ingredients such as carbamide peroxide are used to refresh the colour of your smile from home, eliminating the need for multiple visits to the dentist.

Teeth whitening strips and teeth whitening pens

These extremely popular teeth whitening methods are renowned for providing quick results at a low price. Widely available, the products use whitening agents to create a brightening effect. However, compared to in-clinic procedures and at-home kits like Yorkshire Dental Suite’s, they are not as effective or long-lasting.

Teeth whitening toothpaste

Another very popular product, toothpastes are often used in conjunction with whitening treatments to amplify their effect. How do they work? These toothpastes are typically infused with some sort of abrasive ingredient that gently polishes the surface of the teeth. Something to note that, when used alone, they may not give you the gleaming, ultra-white results you are searching for.

Natural whitening methods

Wondering about how to remove yellow stains on teeth naturally? There are many ingredients found in your cupboard at home that are believed to whiten your teeth (think bicarbonate of soda, banana peels, charcoal). If you want to try removing any yellow stains with a DIY concoction, please proceed with caution – if you use ingredients that are too abrasive, you could damage your enamel.

Nanofill Composite Bonding®

Yorkshire Dental Suite’s exclusive treatment uses a bright, chip-resistant resin to disguise the appearance of discolouration. The versatile procedure is also used to hide chips, small gaps and cracks. If well cared for, this special type of dental bonding can provide up to eight years of wear.

Porcelain veneers

Patients with dental wear and tear (as well as yellow stains) may be suitable for porcelain veneers. Offering a more long-term fix to your dental issues, this very popular cosmetic procedure transforms the shape, size and colour of your teeth by placing a porcelain shell onto its surface.

Hygienist appointments

Surface stains caused by everyday factors such as diet may actually be removed with certain hygienist appointments. This can make your smile appear instantly whiter and more uniform. An example of this is Guided Biofilm Therapy – this deep clean effectively eliminates stains, as well as plaque and tartar.

What is the best way to get rid of yellow stains on teeth?

As mentioned earlier, there are many ways in which you can get rid (or minimise the appearance) of yellow stains. We have provided the following data to help you compare. For the safety and effectiveness columns, we have provided a rating out of 10, with 10 being the best possible choice. These results vary depending on the ingredients, products and brands used.



Cost

Longevity

Safety

Effectiveness

Professional

£300 - £1000

1 - 3 years

10/10

10/10

At-home kit

£395*

12 months*

6/10*

5/10*

Strips and pens

Starts from £7

Up to 6 months

5/10

4/10

Toothpaste

Starts from £1

1 - 3 months

10/10

2/10

Natural ingredients

Starts from less than £1

Undetermined

4/10

1/10

Nanofill™

£495 per tooth*

3-8 years*

10/10*

10/10*

Porcelain veneers

£895 per tooth*

15 years+*


10/10*

10/10*

Hygienist appointments

£100 - £175*

Two annual appointments recommended

10/10

For stain elimination: 4/10

Prices are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice - contact us for the latest offers and up to date pricing.

*Specific to Yorkshire Dental Suite

How to maintain white teeth: The essential steps

Now you have addressed your yellow stained teeth, or wish to prevent further discolouration, it is time to think about maintaining your new smile. Here are just a few ways in which you can do this:

  • Good oral hygiene is key: Brushing twice a day with a fluoride-infused toothpaste and a high-quality toothbrush is one of the best ways to prevent tooth discolouration. Flossing is also a key part of your routine, as it helps to remove the bacteria, plaque and food particles from between the teeth.
  • Don’t avoid the dentist: We recommend visiting your clinic at least twice a year. This allows your dentist to check that your oral health is in a good condition and identify any issues that may be causing your teeth to stain. They will also recommend treatments if they think it is necessary.
  • Book a trip to the hygienist: Regular deep cleans are a great way to prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar, as well as the formation of gum disease and surface stains. Therefore, we recommend that you attend two hygienist appointments annually.
  • Consider your diet: If you consume a lot of staining food and drinks, such as teas, coffees, curries and tomato-based sauces, the chances of your teeth discolouring are increased significantly. Therefore, if you are able, consider limiting your intake of such items. Remember to stay hydrated too!
  • Avoid smoking and vaping: These habits have the ability to turn your teeth yellow, brown and black in colour. They also pose numerous serious health risks, so try as much as possible to quit. Smoking also hinders your eligibility for other procedures such as dental implants and veneers.

Conclusion: Yellow stains on teeth are treatable, and patients have many treatments to choose from to achieve the results they want. Are your teeth yellow? Book a consultation with Yorkshire Dental Suite today. From our dentist-led teeth whitening kit to veneers and exclusive treatments like Nanofill Composite Bonding®, we will keep your smile looking pearly white.