You brush your teeth every day.
You may even brush twice a day.
But when you look in the mirror, you still think:
“Why do my teeth look yellow?”
It does not always mean your teeth are dirty.
Teeth can look yellow for many reasons. Some stains are on the outside of the tooth. Other color comes from inside the tooth.
At Pomona Smile Studio in Pomona, CA, Dr. Juddy Lin can help you find out why your teeth look yellow and what whitening options may work for your smile.
Why Are My Teeth Still Yellow After Brushing?
Brushing is very important.
It removes food and plaque from your teeth.
But brushing cannot remove every type of tooth color.
Some color is sitting on the outside of the tooth.
Other color comes from the tooth itself.
Before you try to whiten your teeth, it helps to know where the color is coming from.
Coffee, Tea and Other Drinks Can Stain Your Teeth
Coffee, tea, soda, and some foods can leave color on the outside of your teeth.
Over time, your smile may look more yellow or dull.
Brushing helps, but it may not remove all of that stain.
You may not notice the change right away because it can happen slowly.
Healthy Teeth Are Not Always Bright White
This surprises a lot of patients.
Healthy teeth can naturally have a warmer color.
Your tooth has a white outer layer called enamel.
Under it is a more yellow layer called dentin.
For some people, more of that yellow color naturally shows through.
That does not mean your teeth are dirty.
Why Do Teeth Look More Yellow With Age?
Teeth can change over time.
Years of eating and drinking can add more surface stains.
The enamel can also slowly become thinner.
When that happens, more of the warmer dentin underneath may show through.
So you may brush very well and still notice:
“My teeth are not as white as they used to be.”
That is normal for many people.
It also does not mean you have to live with a color you do not like.
Why Doesn’t Whitening Toothpaste Make My Teeth White?
Whitening toothpaste can help with some stains on the outside of your teeth.
But it cannot change every type of tooth color.
And brushing harder is not the answer.
Brushing too hard can hurt your gums and wear down your teeth.
If you have used whitening toothpaste and your teeth still look yellow, the problem may not be something toothpaste can change.
Can Yellow Teeth Become Whiter?
Often, yes.
But it depends on why your teeth look yellow.
Some stains respond very well to whitening.
Other colors may not change as much.
Dr. Lin can look at your teeth and help you understand:
Why they look yellow.
Whether whitening may help.
What kind of result you may be able to get.
That way, you know what to expect before you decide.
Does Professional Teeth Whitening Look Fake?
It does not have to.
Your smile does not need to be the brightest white possible.
Dr. Lin can talk with you about the shade you want.
Some patients want a big change.
Others only want their teeth a little brighter.
The goal is a smile you feel good about.
What If I Have Crowns, Fillings or Veneers?
Whitening changes the color of natural teeth.
Crowns, tooth-colored fillings, and veneers do not whiten the same way.
That means we need to look at your whole smile before deciding what shade makes sense.
For example, if you have a crown on a front tooth, we do not want to whiten the teeth around it without thinking about how everything will match.
Small note about veneers
Veneers may be an option for some patients who also want to change the shape, size, or color of certain teeth.
But veneers are not automatically needed just because teeth look yellow.
If whitening can give you the change you want, whitening may be all you need.
Can I Whiten My Teeth at Home?
Yes, there are whitening products you can use at home.
But different products work differently.
Not every type of yellow tooth color responds the same way.
Whitening can also make some people’s teeth temporarily sensitive.
Before you whiten, it helps to know what is causing the color in the first place.
“I Just Want My Smile to Look Whiter.”
That is okay.
You do not need to know which whitening treatment you need before you come in.
That is our job.
Tell us what you do not like about your smile and what you would like to change.
Dr. Lin can look at your teeth and explain what may help.
If whitening makes sense, we will explain your options.
If whitening will not fix what is bothering you, we will tell you that too.
The goal is not simply to make teeth as white as possible.
The goal is to help you get a smile that looks good to you.
Ready to Find Out What Can Make Your Smile Brighter?
You brush every day.
You take care of your teeth.
But you still do not love the color of your smile.
You do not have to keep guessing what may work.
At Pomona Smile Studio in Pomona, CA, Dr. Juddy Lin can look at your teeth, explain why they look yellow, and help you understand your whitening choices.
We’ll show you your options. You decide what feels right for your smile.
Pomona Smile Studio
Dr. Juddy Lin, DMD
Pomona, California
909-620-6066