Why are My Teeth Yellow Even When I Brush Them Everyday?

Do you brush your teeth daily, maybe two times, and yet have yellow teeth? It’s confusing and frustrating, right? You also might be wondering, “Why are my teeth yellow when I brush them every day?” But here’s the thing: yellow teeth don’t always mean poor hygiene, but they need to be addressed well to prevent any dental issues. In this article, you’ll uncover the hidden causes, how to reverse yellowing, and pro tips to prevent stains in the future.

Visual Summary: Why Your Teeth Might Still Be Yellow Even After Daily Brushing

So, Why Are My Teeth Yellow When I Brush Them Every Day?

If you are wondering, “I brush my teeth every day—so why aren’t they white? Here are some of the most common (and sometimes surprising) reasons your teeth may still look yellow:

1. Genetics

• Under the outer layer of enamel lies dentin, which is yellow in color. If you naturally have thin enamel, the yellowish dentin underneath becomes more visible.

• Even with excellent brushing habits, your smile may still appear yellow due to inherited enamel thickness.

2. Poor Brushing Technique

• Brushing your teeth doesn’t guarantee cleanliness—how you brush matters.

• Rushed brushing or missing hard-to-reach spots can allow plaque buildup, which hardens into tartar—a yellow substance that regular brushing can’t remove.

3. Staining from Certain Foods

• Certain foods and drinks that are excessively pigmented can stain the teeth over time. As a result, these stains can build up on the enamel, making the teeth look yellow.

• Dark or colorful foods and beverages—like coffee, tea, tomato-based sauces, red wine, soy sauce, and berries—are common examples. Even with brushing, these pigments may linger and dull your smile.

4. Smoking or Tobacco Use

• Research shows that cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco contain tar and nicotine, which cause stubborn, deep stains.

• . These discolorations are often tough to remove without professional intervention.

5. Certain Medications

• Some medications, for instance, antibiotics tetracycline and doxycycline (given to children below 8 years of age) can cause intrinsic stains as per a study.

• Additionally, antihistamines, high blood pressure medications, and antipsychotic drugs can also lead to teeth discoloration. 

6. Aging

• With aging, the outer enamel layer wears off naturally, which discloses the yellow dentin present underneath.

• This makes the teeth look yellow even with constant brushing, as it is a normal part of aging. 

7. Trauma

• Trauma to the tooth, like injuries, falls, or mouth impacts, can contribute to yellowing or darkening of the teeth over time.

• The teeth turn yellowish because trauma can damage the internal structures. 

8. Fluorosis

• Too much fluoride during tooth development (typically in childhood) can lead to fluorosis, causing teeth to appear yellow or brown.

• This happens because excessive fluoride interferes with enamel formation.

Types of Tooth Stains: Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic

Understanding the type of stain helps you decide on the best treatment method.

Natural Remedies to Whiten Yellow Teeth

These home remedies may help reduce mild stains and brighten your smile:

1. Baking Soda & Hydrogen Peroxide:

The mixture of both substances has mild abrasive and antibacterial properties, which can help cleanse stains from the tooth’s surface.

How to use:

• Prepare a paste by mixing 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide.

• Brush your teeth gently with this paste for about 2 minutes and then wash it off thoroughly with water. 

2. Oil Pulling:

Swishing coconut oil helps remove bacteria and reduce plaque buildup.

How to use:

• Swish 1 tablespoon of coconut oil all around your mouth for about 15 to 20 minutes

• Then, spit the oil out and rinse your mouth with water. 

3. Calcium-rich Foods

Strong enamel resists stains better. Calcium helps strengthen enamel and may protect against yellowing.

Add to Your Diet:
Cheese, yogurt, milk, leafy greens.

4. Fruit Peels:

Banana, lemon, and orange peels contain compounds like d-limonene that can help lift surface stains.

How to use:

5. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV):

Being rich in acetic acid, apple cider vinegar can destroy the bacteria that cause yellowing of the teeth.

How to use:

• Dilute ACV with water and swish it around your mouth as a mouthwash for a few minutes.

• Then, rinse the mouth thoroughly. 

6. Strawberries:

The malic acid in strawberries can work as a mild exfoliant, which can assist in removing stains from the tooth surface.

How to use:

• Mix one mashed strawberry with a small quantity of baking soda and prepare a paste.

• Brush your teeth gently using this paste, and then rinse your mouth with water.

Important Note: Use acidic remedies like baking soda, ACV, and citrus-based peels occasionally to avoid enamel erosion.

Professional Whitening Treatments for Yellow Teeth

If home remedies do not work, it might be intrinsic stains. The best option is to seek professional treatment. The dentists can help with the following options:

In-Office Teeth Whitening Treatment:

• Uses bleaching agents such as hydrogen or carbamide peroxide to remove tough stains.

• Involves the process of applying a protective barrier on the gums and then coating the teeth with a bleaching agent.

• Next, the curing laser or light is used to stimulate the bleaching agent.

• The gel is also applied and left for some time, and then rinsed.

• Depending on the severity of yellowing of the teeth, the treatment may be repeated.

• Provides dramatic results in a one visit, or within 30 to 60 minutes of each session. 

 At-Home Whitening (Prescribed by Dentist)

• Custom-fitted trays and medical-grade gel.

• Wear the trays for a specific time daily for several weeks.

• Safer and more effective than OTC kits, though slower than in-office results.

Over-the-Counter Whitening Products: 

• Include strips, gels, and whitening toothpastes.

• These are budget-friendly and good for surface stains, but results vary and are temporary.

Advanced Cosmetic Solutions

If whitening doesn’t help or if stains are deep and permanent, cosmetic solutions may be your best bet.

Porcelain Veneers

• These are thin shells placed on the front side of the teeth to effectively cover permanent or deep stains.

• Provides complete and instant transformation in the color of the teeth.

Crowns and Onlays

• Conceal the stains with long-lasting and tooth-colored material such as composite resin or porcelain.

• They are designed by matching the shade of your natural teeth color, ensuring an aesthetically beautiful and flawless look. 

Tips to Prevent Future Staining

• Follow oral hygiene tips like brushing the teeth twice using fluoride toothpaste, flossing once each day, and using a mouthwash.

• Limit or avoid stain-causing foods and drinks. If you consume, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.

• Quit smoking or avoid using tobacco products to alleviate the risk of further yellowing of the teeth.

• Whiten your teeth frequently under a dentist’s supervision once a month to maintain a whitening effect.

• Get regular dental check-ups to avoid the spread of stains and causing more damage.

Common Myths About Teeth Whitening

Here are some common myths often associated to teeth whitening and discoloration that can negatively lead to ineffective practices:

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever asked, “Why are my teeth yellow when I brush them every day?” now you know the answer isn’t as simple as brushing habits. Factors like genetics, diet, aging, and trauma often play a bigger role. Natural remedies can help with surface stains. However, professional treatments are ideal for deep or persistent discoloration.
Preventive care is essential for maintaining a bright, healthy smile.

When in doubt, visit a dentist to get personalized advice and treatment that fits your oral health needs.

Frequently Asked Questions