21 March 2023

“I Brush My Teeth Every Day and They are Still Yellow”

Why are your teeth yellow even when you brush them every day? Here are some common reasons: 

  • Genes (e.g. if one of your parents’ teeth are yellow, yours might be too) 
  • Enamel is already thin (yellow dentin starts to show more) 
  • Wear and tear as well as teeth grinding (results in thinning of enamel) 
  • Smoking (nicotine can cause yellow or brown stains on teeth) 
  • Stain from coffee, tea, wine and certain sauces and spices 
  • Antibiotics (can lead to permanently stained teeth) 
  • Excess fluoride 
  • Physical impact to the teeth (discolouration because of bleeding) 

To know the exact cause and treatment, you should visit a dentist. This way, you can know your options on how to whiten your teeth. Note that you should not brush harder to get rid of that yellow hue. This can further erode your enamel and show more of the yellow dentin underneath. 

Can yellow teeth become white again? 

Yes. Some of the most common solutions and treatment options are: 

  • Over-the-counter whitening agents 
  • Professional dental cleaning (can remove stains) 
  • Professional teeth whitening (the lighter shade can last longer) 
  • Veneers (new white naturally-looking shell over your teeth) 

Should you get veneers or whiten your teeth? 

Teeth whitening only makes your teeth several shades brighter (results can only last for a year or two). On the other hand, veneers can also correct the shape of your teeth and the gaps among them (veneers can last for up to 20 years and the colour might still remain the same given proper care). 

If you want a quick solution (preparing for a major event or gathering), professional teeth whitening is often enough. If you want a more long-lasting solution, choose veneers. Or, you can try teeth whitening first and then think about veneers later. The goal here is to learn more about your options first before committing to a permanent solution. 

You can ask your dentist about all your options so you’ll know what’s best for your situation or preference. You can enquire about the pros and cons of each treatment, the total costs and how long the results can last.