For a bright white smile: Dentist reveals what you can do against yellow teeth

Created: 12/31/2022, 08:00

Discoloration of the teeth is not uncommon.

Food and lifestyle can be to blame.

In an interview, an expert explains how to get your teeth white again.

White and well-groomed teeth are very important for many people.

Some lifestyles or the wrong diet can, however, lead to unwanted discolouration.

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Jochen Schmidt, head of dentistry at Carree Dental in Cologne, explains in an interview with the news agency spot on news what causes yellow teeth and how to get them shiny white again. 

Most people want white teeth © nenetus/IMAGO

How does tooth discoloration occur?

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Jochen H. Schmidt: Our hereditary factors play an important role here: like the color of the hair, the color of the teeth is genetically determined.

That means: It is already clear before birth whether the basic tone is a sparkling white or rather yellowish.

Factors such as age or the thickness of the enamel layer also play a role: this protective layer, which consists mainly of minerals, is the cause of the typically milky-white shine of our teeth.

If it becomes thinner over the course of life, the dentin underneath shimmers darker and darker - thorough brushing of teeth or power bleaching will not help.

However, it is not only nature alone that decides on dental attractiveness: in the course of life, people have a significant influence on whether teeth discolor through dental care (domestic and professional) and lifestyle (smoking, red wine, black tea).

With age, however, teeth generally become somewhat darker.

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Can discoloration damage teeth?

Schmidt: No, tooth discoloration is usually an aesthetic problem and not a health problem.

Even strikingly yellow teeth can be perfectly healthy. 

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How to prevent discoloration?

Schmidt: Regular brushing of teeth offers the best protection against tooth decay and discoloration.

The right cleaning technique is important.

My tip: Press the bristles gently against your teeth and then remove leftovers and plaque with small, shaking movements.

Regardless of the type and function of the toothbrush, a sure instinct is required: scrubbing too hard damages the tooth substance, and even the best brush won't help.

It is also helpful to only enjoy nicotine, caffeine and red wine in moderation.

Because otherwise, sooner or later, these stimulants in particular will lead to unsightly deposits of dyes on the surface of the teeth.

Sticky foods such as honey, chocolate snacks or bananas also accelerate plaque formation - so eat them a little less often or brush your teeth well afterwards.

Coffee or tea with a dash of milk causes less discoloration: is that true?

Schmidt: Milk coffee or tea the English way, i.e. drunk with a little milk, have the advantage that they bind the tannins and can help to counteract discolouration.

In addition, dairy products generally contain a lot of calcium, which strengthens the teeth.

How do teeth get their old shine back?

Schmidt: If coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco have already left their mark, special toothpastes can whiten tooth surfaces thanks to the active ingredient titanium oxide.

But be careful: Some products rub off the enamel a lot and should therefore not be used every day.

It is best to ask the dentist first.

If the teeth are naturally yellowish, whitening toothpastes hardly have any effect.

And if you have exposed tooth necks, you should avoid them altogether.

Bleaching, especially professional ones, can help against stubborn discoloration more effectively than special toothpastes: With this method, chemical oxidation changes the color pigments in the tooth enamel so much that the teeth then appear bright and clean.

Bleaching is only an option if your teeth and gums are healthy.

The simple reason: In the case of caries or exposed tooth necks, the bleaching gel can get inside the tooth and, in the worst case, damage nerves.

Therefore, before each bleaching - in addition to professional teeth cleaning - a dental check-up should be carried out.

Incidentally, this method is ineffective for crowns, fillings or veneers, since generally only the natural tooth enamel can be lightened in colour. 

Are home remedies like baking soda helpful?

Schmidt: I strongly advise against so-called home remedies such as baking powder, cigar ash or lemon juice - even if these are repeatedly praised on the Internet as natural bleaching agents.

Because the acids and emery substances contained in it cause the opposite of the desired effect: they destroy the tooth enamel and allow the dentin underneath to shine through more and more.

(eee/jok/spot)

This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication.

In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor.

Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.