Changes in the colour of your teeth may be temporary and gradual. But the yellow colour is inevitable. Teeth may darken or look yellower with age. As the outer layer of your teeth, known as the enamel, wears away, the layer beneath it, known as dentin, which is yellowish in appearance, becomes more visible. Dentin is the second layer of the calcified tissue beneath the enamel layer, which is present on the outer surface of the teeth.
If you are looking for home remedies for yellow teeth, you will have to practice some alternative methods compared to conventional methods. This article explores five common home remedies for addressing yellow teeth, discussing the mechanism and the necessary precautions for each method. The key point to remember is to exercise caution with home remedies for yellow teeth, as incorrect use or dosage can cause irreversible damage. The possible outcomes may be that you may wear away too much of your enamel, which could put you at further risk of teeth sensitivity and cavities.
Home Remedies to Consider for Teeth Discolouration
1. Maintain Consistent and Proper Brushing Technique
The first thing to pay attention to is the brushing of teeth. The main thing to focus on is brushing your teeth more often and in the correct manner. It is essential to brush your teeth after consuming acidic foods and drinks because the acids present in the food can erode the enamel layer over time.
The general thing is to brush twice a day for 2 minutes at a time. Try to reach all of the cracks and crevices of your mouth. Brush your teeth in a gentle, circular motion to effectively remove surface stains without damaging the enamel. Brushing with a mild abrasive or whitening toothpaste can also help remove some extrinsic stains. The whitening toothpaste contains gentle abrasives that scrub the teeth to remove yellow stains, making it safe to use when used as directed on the packaging. You may also consider using an electric toothbrush for more efficient plaque removal.
2. Using Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Paste
A paste made up of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and hydrogen peroxide is said to remove the plaque build-up on the enamel and can help you effectively get rid of discoloured teeth. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can gently scrub away surface stains, while hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent that can penetrate the enamel and dentin to address intrinsic stains [1].
For the paste, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide. Brush your teeth with this paste and rinse your mouth thoroughly. Alternatively, you can make a mouthwash by mixing 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 cup of water. Brush your teeth as normal after using the rinse.
Safety Note: While effective for some, frequent use of highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide or overly aggressive scrubbing with baking soda can be abrasive and potentially damage the enamel over time. Use this method sparingly (e.g., once or twice a week) and stop immediately if you notice increased sensitivity.
3. Try the Coconut Oil Pulling Method
Coconut oil pulling is an effective technique for supporting oral hygiene and potentially removing yellow stains from teeth. You just need to purchase a high-quality organic oil that does not contain any harmful ingredients. Now, let us pay attention to the proposed mechanism: oil pulling is believed to reduce bacteria (specifically Streptococcus mutans ) and plaque build-up, which can contribute to tooth yellowing and gingivitis [2].
Swish 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil in your mouth for 15-30 minutes. Do not let the oil touch the back of your throat. Also, do not swallow the oil as it contains all the absorbed bacteria and debris from your mouth. Now, spit it in the washbasin and rinse your mouth with water. Now drink a glass of water and then brush your teeth. According to studies, the oil pulling method using sesame oil and sunflower oil has been shown to reduce the disease known as gingivitis, which is usually caused by plaque.
4. Use Diluted Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Apple cider vinegar (ACV), when used in small amounts, may help clean yellow teeth naturally. ACV contains acetic acid, which has a mild bleaching effect that may help remove some surface stains [1].
The procedure involves making a mouthwash by mixing 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with 6 ounces of water. Now swish the solution in your mouth for about 30 seconds. Then rinse your mouth with water and finally brush your teeth. Studies have shown that while ACV can have a whitening effect, it also has the potential to soften the enamel and reduce its hardness and surface integrity [1]. So, you need to be very cautious while using it and use it only for short intervals of time and in a highly diluted form. After rinsing with ACV, it is best practice to rinse with plain water before brushing to minimise enamel wear.
5. Using Fruit Peels (Lemon, Orange, or Banana)
Some people use lemon, orange, or banana peels on their teeth, believing they can help whiten them. It is thought that the compound d-limonene or citric acid present in the peels of some citrus fruits can help you to whiten your teeth. Specifically, d-limonene has been studied for its potential to remove tea stains from enamel [3].
The process involves gently rubbing the peels on your teeth for about 2 minutes. Then, rinse your mouth thoroughly and brush your teeth afterwards. The point to pay attention to is that lemon and orange peels contain citric acid, which is highly acidic and can erode your enamel quickly. This method is generally not recommended by dentists due to the high risk of irreversible enamel damage, which can increase sensitivity and the risk of cavities [1]. If you notice your teeth becoming more sensitive over time, please stop using this method immediately.
Conclusion
Yellow teeth can affect your confidence, but several home remedies may help reduce discolouration over time. Brushing regularly with the right technique, using natural agents like baking soda, coconut oil, and fruit peels, or swishing diluted apple cider vinegar can be helpful when done cautiously. However, these methods work best when paired with good oral hygiene and lifestyle habits. It is crucial to be aware that while some methods may temporarily reduce surface stains, they carry a risk of enamel erosion and tooth sensitivity if used incorrectly or too frequently. While these remedies may offer visible improvements, they are not substitutes for professional dental care. If discolouration persists or worsens, consult your dentist for guidance tailored to your oral health condition.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. It does not replace professional dental or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or dentist before trying new home remedies or therapies. The information provided regarding home remedies is based on traditional or observational use and may not have been evaluated by scientific regulatory bodies. Use with caution and at your own risk.
FAQ:
Can brushing more often remove yellow stains?
Yes, brushing twice daily using circular motions and whitening toothpaste can help remove surface stains. It’s especially important after consuming acidic foods and drinks (wait 30 minutes after consuming acidics before brushing to protect enamel).
Is baking soda safe to use for teeth whitening?
When used occasionally, baking soda mixed with hydrogen peroxide may reduce stains. Due to its abrasive nature, avoid overuse, as it can erode enamel over time.
How does coconut oil pulling help?
Oil pulling may reduce bacteria and plaque, improving oral hygiene and potentially reducing gingivitis [2]. Swish for 15–30 minutes, then rinse and brush for best results.
Can apple cider vinegar whiten teeth?
Apple cider vinegar may help whiten teeth slightly due to its mild bleaching effect, but even in diluted form, frequent overuse can erode tooth enamel (use sparingly and rinse thoroughly with water afterwards) [1].
References
[1] Maciel, C. R. de O., Amorim, A. A., Oliveira, R. F. de L., Vivanco, R. G., & Pires-de-Souza, F. de C. P. (2022). Whitening efficacy of popular natural products on dental enamel. Brazilian Dental Journal, 33(3), 55–66. https://doi.org/10.1590/0103-6440202204863
[2] Abidia, R. F., El-Hejazi, A. A., Azam, A., Al-Qhatani, S., Al-Mugbel, K., AlSulami, M., & Khan, A. S. (2023). In vitro comparison of natural tooth-whitening remedies and professional tooth-whitening systems. The Saudi Dental Journal, 35(2), 165–171. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sdentj.2023.01.007
[3] Maciel, C. R. de O., de Souza, B. M., & Pires-de-Souza, F. de C. P. (2020). Efficacy of essential oils in the control of dental plaque and gingivitis. Archives of Oral Biology, 112, 104683. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archoralbio.2020.104683