Joy Onuorah

What causes yellow teeth?

There are many factors that can cause teeth to turn yellow.
Teeth can become yellow from:

• certain foods or drinks, such as blueberries, red wine, coffee, or tea
• a diet high in sugar and simple carbohydrates
• smoking or chewing tobacco
• side effects of certain medications and mouthwashes
• age, as older adults are more likely to have yellow teeth
• genetics
• mouth trauma
• excessive fluoride consumption
• poor dental care and oral hygiene
• chronic dry mouth or lack of saliva

Discolouration of teeth may be subtle and happen gradually.

However, the teeth can look more yellow or darken especially as you age. As the outer enamel wears away, the yellowy dentin underneath becomes more visible. Dentin is the second layer of calcified tissue beneath the outside enamel layer.
If you’re looking to whiten your teeth, you do have some alternatives to conventional methods.

Natural remedies for yellow teeth

Here are seven natural options for getting rid of yellow teeth. Experiment to find a solution that works for you.

Brushing your teeth
Your first plan of action should be to brush your teeth more often and in the correct manner. You must brush after consuming foods and drinks that can lead to yellow teeth.
However, be careful with brushing immediately after consuming acidic foods and drinks. Brushing right away can make the acids brush away more enamel and lead to erosion.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes at a time. Make sure you get into all of the cracks and crevices. Brush your teeth gently in a circular motion to ensure you’re protecting your gums. Brush the inside, outside, and chewing surfaces of your teeth.

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
Using a paste made of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide is said to remove plague buildup and bacteria to get rid of stains.
Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after brushing with this paste. You can also use the same ratio of ingredients to make a mouthwash. Or, you can try baking soda with water.

Coconut oil pulling
Coconut oil pulling is said to remove plaque and bacteria from the mouth, which helps to whiten teeth.
Swish 1 to 2 teaspoons of liquid coconut oil in your mouth for 10 to 30 minutes. Don’t let the oil touch the back of your throat. Don’t swallow the oil as it contains toxins and bacteria from your mouth.
Spit it into the toilet or a wastepaper basket, as it could clog drains. Rinse your mouth with water and then drink a full glass of water. Then brush your teeth.

Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can be used in very small amounts to whiten teeth.
Make a mouthwash by mixing 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with 6 ounces of water. Swish the solution for 30 seconds. Then rinse with water and brush your teeth.

Lemon, orange, or banana peel

Gently rub the fruit peels on your teeth for about 2 minutes. Make sure to thoroughly rinse out your mouth and brush your teeth afterwards. It’s about the compound d-limonene and/or citric acid, which is found in some citrus fruit peels, will help to whiten your teeth.

Activated charcoal

activated charcoal can be used to remove stains from your teeth. It’s believed that charcoal can remove pigments and stains from your teeth because it’s highly absorbent. It’s said to also get rid of bacteria and toxins in the mouth.
Open a capsule of activated charcoal and put the contents on your toothbrush. Gently brush your teeth using small circles for 2 minutes. Be especially careful in the area around your gums as it can be abrasive. Then spit it out. Don’t brush too aggressively.
If your teeth are sensitive or you want to limit the abrasiveness of the charcoal, you can dab it on your teeth. Leave it on for 2 minutes.