Yellow teeth are one of the visible signs of tooth discoloration. These changes can occur gradually over a long or shorter period of time.
Medically, as explained by WebMD, tooth discoloration can be caused by several factors, including certain foods and drinks consumption such as coffee, tea, soda, and wine, tobacco use, poor dental hygiene, and the natural aging process.
The use of certain medications, such as the tetracycline and doxycycline (antibiotics), can also lead to tooth discoloration. In addition, genetic factors can influence tooth color, including having naturally thicker and whiter teeth.
Although yellow discoloration of teeth are generally related to aging, you can still try the following natural methods to help restore a brighter tooth color, as summarized from Healthline:
Baking Soda
You can use a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to help remove plaque that coats your teeth. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide until it forms a paste. Apply the paste to your teeth, then rinse your mouth thoroughly afterward.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can also be used to help remove plaque and bacteria in the mouth. Mix 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil with a small amount of water, then rub or swish it around your teeth and let it sit for 10-30 minutes.
Be careful not to swallow the coconut oil and make sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly afterward.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with water and use the mixture as a mouthwash. After rinsing with this solution, rinse your mouth again with plain water until no vinegar remains.
Lemon or Orange
Lemons and oranges are also believed to help whiten teeth. The d-limonene or citric acid content in these fruits is thought to have a mild whitening effect on tooth surfaces.
Activated Charcoal
You can use activated charcoal to help remove stains from your teeth. Activated charcoal is believed to bind pigments and stains because of its strong absorption capacity.
In addition, activated charcoal may help reduce bacteria and toxins in the mouth.
If these natural remedies do not give satisfactory results, you can consider professional teeth whitening treatment at a dental clinic, which is generally safer and will be monitored.
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- dr Hanifa Rahma
Erica Cirino. How to Get Rid of Yellow Teeth. Healthline. December 2019. https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/how-to-get-rid-of-yellow-teeth
Hansa D. Bhargava, MD. Tooth Discoloration. WebMD. September 2020. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tooth-discoloration.