How to whiten yellow teeth?

Generally, yellow teeth may be caused by aging, dietary habits, dental trauma, periodontal disease, tetracycline staining, and other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and under the guidance of a professional dentist, improve the whiteness of teeth through general treatments, medications, or surgical interventions. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Aging

With age, the enamel on the tooth surface gradually wears away, exposing the underlying dentin, which has a yellowish color, resulting in yellow teeth. It is recommended to regularly visit a dental clinic for professional teeth cleaning to remove tartar and plaque, reducing enamel wear. Using whitening toothpaste or undergoing professional teeth whitening procedures, such as cold light whitening or laser whitening, may also be considered, but should be performed under professional supervision.

2. Dietary Habits

Frequent consumption of highly pigmented foods, such as coffee, tea, red wine, soy sauce, and smoking can all lead to yellow teeth. It is recommended to modify dietary habits and reduce the intake of highly pigmented foods and beverages. Regular oral hygiene maintenance, such as professional cleaning, can help prevent tooth discoloration.

3. Dental Trauma

Teeth subjected to external impact or injury may result in pulp necrosis or surface cracks, causing the teeth to darken or turn yellow. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as tooth pain, looseness, or displacement. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention and undergo root canal treatment to eliminate inflammation and restore dental health.

4. Periodontal Disease

Inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth caused by periodontal disease may lead to tooth displacement, exposing the previously gum-covered yellow root surfaces. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as bleeding gums, swelling, and tooth looseness. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as aspirin effervescent tablets, hydrocortisone tablets, or acetaminophen tablets. For existing gum recession, periodontal surgery, such as gum grafting, may be required to cover the exposed root surfaces.

5. Tetracycline-stained Teeth

Use of tetracycline antibiotics during childhood or maternal use during pregnancy may lead to internal tooth staining, presenting as yellow teeth. This may be accompanied by stripes or spots on the tooth surface. Cosmetic restoration techniques such as veneers or porcelain crowns can be used to mask the internal pigmentation. For mild cases of tetracycline staining, internal bleaching techniques may be attempted.

When treating yellow teeth, it is important to choose appropriate treatment methods based on individual conditions, while maintaining healthy lifestyle habits and a positive mindset.