If your teeth have too much plaque coating their surfaces, your teeth whitening results may not be all that you've wished them to be. You might need to schedule other dental work as well before you're reading for teeth whitening treatments.
If teeth whitening does not work for you, it might be because of the product you are using, the type of tooth stains or spots, or strength of the bleaching gel. Product type – Whitening toothpaste does not remove deeply embedded stains.
If you've tried over-the-counter products but still aren't getting the desired results, consider professional whitening procedures or alternative solutions such as veneers or crowns. We're confident that with the right approach, you'll be able to get your teeth looking as white and bright as ever!
You may not see it, but your teeth may have a dirty biofilm or layer of plaque buildup that is preventing the whitening agents from targeting your tooth stains.
Teeth can become temporarily dehydrated after using whitening strips. Your teeth may appear more yellow as a result of this dehydration because the enamel may become dry and lack moisture. Dehydrated enamel sometimes has a transparent appearance that makes the naturally yellowish dentin underneath visible.
Poor Oral Health and Habits. Teeth whitening treatments work best on healthy teeth and gums. If you have underlying dental issues like tooth decay, gum disease, or enamel erosion, it can affect the effectiveness and safety of whitening treatments.
If your teeth still appear yellow after whitening, it might be due to enamel erosion. The enamel is the outer layer of your teeth, and when it wears down, the underlying dentin, which is yellow, becomes more visible. Erosion can happen due to acidic foods, aggressive brushing, or conditions like acid reflux.
Genetics – Genetics can cause some teeth to have a darker color naturally and to be more resistant to whitening. Dental Restorations – Restorative dental work, like crowns, areas with dental bonding, and fillings, won't respond to teeth whitening treatments in the same way as natural enamel.
The Link Between vitamin D Deficiency and Yellow Teeth
Increased Susceptibility to Cavities: Weak enamel due to insufficient calcium absorption increases the risk of cavities. Decayed areas can appear yellow or brown, contributing to an overall discolored smile.
Myth #2: Yellow teeth are unhealthy.
Teeth that are not perfectly white can still be healthy.
Age Considerations
As we age, our teeth naturally become darker due to wear and tear. While teeth whitening can be effective at almost any age, younger teeth typically respond better to whitening treatments.
If used over time and without the aid of a professional cosmetic dentist, this treatment could cause tooth sensitivity and at times pain. The worst part for these patients is that by affecting the enamel and causing teeth to become more sensitive overall, the teeth are then primed to become even more stained over time!
Try another product. See your dentist for an evaluation of your mouth and gums for any problems, including decay or gum disease that could be affecting the results of your whitening treatments. Check the product for problems (such as expired ingredients or broken capsules).
Several factors can cause teeth staining, like food and drink intake, smoking, and certain medications. Products like coffee, cola, berries, tomato sauce, and wine are common culprits that can stain your teeth.
The best way to naturally whiten teeth is by using baking soda, oil pulling, and maintaining good oral hygiene practices like brushing, flossing, and scraping the tongue. Avoiding staining foods and drinks, quitting smoking, and regular dental checkups also help maintain a bright smile.
People who have restorations such as fillings, implants, crowns and dental bridges. Children under 16 years of age. Patients with periodontal disease, tooth decay, cavities and exposed roots. People who are allergic to teeth bleaching whitening agents like peroxide.
One of the most important vitamins for teeth whitening and overall health is Vitamin D3. This vitamin will help to remineralize your teeth and works best when taken with calcium. Considering about half the population in the USA is deficient in Vitamin D, it may be the reason so many teeth are not white.
Some health conditions cause teeth discoloration, including liver disease, celiac disease, calcium deficiency, eating disorders and metabolic diseases. Certain medications. Some medications, like certain antihistamines and drugs for high blood pressure, can result in teeth discoloration.
Reasons for Stubborn Tooth Discoloration
Intrinsic stains: Intrinsic stains are stains that occur inside the tooth, often due to genetics, medication use, or trauma. These stains are harder to remove with traditional teeth whitening treatments.
People with healthy teeth and gums are typically good candidates for teeth whitening. Gum disease, multiple restorations, and extensive decay disqualify individuals from this cosmetic procedure.
While they are extremely popular, many people still question whether or not they actually are effective at whitening teeth. The short answer is yes, they do in fact whiten your teeth over time, but whitening strips are not the best way to whiten your teeth!
Crest's 3D Whitening Strips are probably the most recognizable teeth whitening method on this list, and with good reason. The brand stands out as the No. 1 recommendation in this category, with dentists telling me their patients get good results within a week or two of using the strips every day.
Baking soda is a natural bleaching agent used to remove stains from teeth. But, how long the baking soda takes to work depends on the severity of the stains. Generally, it takes about two weeks of daily use before you start seeing results.