How to Fix Teeth Discolouration Using Natural Remedies

A good set of symmetrical, white teeth is considered an attractive physical feature. It’s a sign of good health as well as age. However, being a smoker or an avid coffee and wine drinker could hold you back from your dream of having pearly whites. Fortunately, there are ways to fix teeth discolouration as long as you’re consistent with your oral care routine.

Here are some causes of yellow teeth and natural ways to fix it. 

The Cause: Exogenous vs Endogenous Factors

Figuring out how you got yellow teeth brings you a step closer to fixing teeth discolouration. The causes may be due to either external or internal factors.

External Factors 

If you’re a smoker or tend to forget to brush and floss, there’s a higher chance that you have yellow teeth.

Let’s not forget the different foods and beverages containing pigments that can stain your teeth, such as curries, soy sauce, coffee, and tea. These pigments attach to the teeth in the form of chromogens, giving them a yellowish tone.

Internal Factors 

There are several internal factors that lead to teeth discolouration and the two main culprits are:  

• Tooth decay – A noticeable change in teeth colour, specifically yellow, pink, or black. 
• Dental trauma – The root of a tooth gets displaced after an accident or injury.  

Here are some natural ways to get rid of yellow teeth naturally. 

Natural Home Remedies

Laying the foundation for good oral hygiene is never too late. While visiting the dentist routinely is recommended, there are natural alternatives you can add to your daily regimen to brighten your teeth at home.

Coconut oil pulling

Also known as oil-swishing therapy, this Ayurvedic medicinal practice has become relevant in the dental world for its benefits. Coconut oil has many health-boosting properties and is all the rage when it comes to conversations about hair and skin.

It’s used as an antimicrobial in dental health too. The traditional method involves swishing one to two teaspoons of liquid coconut oil in your mouth for 10 to 30 minutes to reduce plaque, fight gum disease, and get rid of bacteria. Once you spit it out, brushing your teeth is suggested.  

A study in 2015 proved that coconut oil pulling reduces plaque as well as plaque-induced gingivitis. Because plaque is another culprit of yellow teeth, using this method along with regular teeth brushing will prevent your teeth from further stains, while keeping them clean and your breath in check. 

Turmeric 

A herb with many medicinal properties, turmeric (jiang huang, 姜黄) is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat problems arising from depression, chest congestion, menstrual pain, and liver problems, just to name a few. Its active ingredient curcumin is a source of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and healing properties, making it beneficial for oral hygiene.

High-quality, pure turmeric powder can be added to your toothbrushing regimen by pouring a small amount on the bristles of the brush and applying it to both teeth and gums. After letting it sit for five minutes, rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth with regular toothpaste. 

Like coconut oil, studies on turmeric have found that the herb is effective in plaque control, as well as preventing and treating gingivitis. Furthermore, a study published last year found that turmeric extract powder is effective as a whitening agent when used together with low-concentration hydrogen peroxide bleach. 

Chinese Skullcap 

Another TCM herb that can improve teeth discolouration is Chinese Skullcap (huang qin, 黄芩). Its active ingredient, baicalin, is known for possessing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

According to the Journal of Periodontology, Chinese Skullcap supports the maintenance and repairs periodontal ligament tissues and function. Because of this, it’s beneficial for both your body and your teeth to keep them healthy and in place.

Eating more fruits and vegetables 

This is an odd, but useful remedy when eating a meal with staining potential. In order to connect the dots, an example such as eating curry for lunch will cause your teeth to turn yellow. However, including vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots will prevent staining while you enjoy your meal. Adding dark green vegetables also gives your teeth a protective film to deflect staining. 

Other practices you can add to the mix are: 

• Brushing your teeth with toothpaste containing baking soda 
• Drinking water before the stains set in 

• Lessen your intake of foods and beverages containing pigments 

Most importantly, brush and floss your teeth on a regular basis.

As you can see, there are many ways to fix teeth discolouration and gain a stunning set of pearly whites. Oral health influences overall health and with regular trips to the dentist and these natural remedies, you can greet each day with a smile that you’re proud of.

Did you take a different approach to address teeth discolouration? Let us know in the comments below.

This is an adaptation of the article “牙齿泛黄变色，怎么办?” which first appeared on the Health123 website.