Note: This article is for general information purposes and does not replace individual dental advice.
White teeth stand for health, care and attractiveness. However, natural tooth colour varies from person to person – and even with good oral hygiene, teeth can become discoloured over time. The good news: there are effective methods for gently whitening your teeth. In this guide, you will learn what options are available and what actually works.
Why do teeth become discoloured?
The natural colour of a tooth is determined by the dentine beneath the enamel. Over time, teeth can become discoloured for various reasons:
External discolouration (extrinsic)
- Coffee and tea: The tannins they contain are deposited on the tooth enamel
- Red wine: Pigments penetrate the tooth surface
- Smoking: Nicotine and tar cause yellowish-brown discolouration
- Spices: Turmeric, saffron and curry dishes can discolour teeth
- Berries and fruit juices: Blueberries, cherries and dark juices
- Mouthwashes: Rinses containing chlorhexidine when used for longer periods
Internal discolouration (intrinsic)
- Ageing: The tooth enamel becomes thinner and the more yellowish dentine shows through
- Medication: Certain antibiotics (tetracycline) can cause permanent discolouration
- Dental injuries: A dead tooth nerve can turn the tooth greyish
- Fluorosis: Excessive fluoride intake in childhood can leave white spots
Professional methods for white teeth
Professional teeth cleaning
The first and most important step towards whiter teeth: a professional teeth cleaning removes plaque, discolouration and tartar that cannot be removed with a normal toothbrush. Many patients are surprised at how much brighter their teeth look after a thorough cleaning alone.
Professional bleaching
Professional bleaching at the dentist is an effective method of teeth whitening. A highly concentrated whitening gel is applied to the teeth under controlled conditions. The result: whitening by several shades, gentle on the tooth enamel when applied professionally.
Advantages of professional bleaching:
- Controlled, even whitening
- Higher concentration of active ingredient than home bleaching products
- The gums are professionally protected
- The result lasts 1 to 3 years with good care
Veneers
For permanent internal discolouration that cannot be lightened by bleaching, veneers may be the solution. Wafer-thin ceramic shells are bonded to the tooth surface and provide an evenly bright smile for many years.
Home remedies for whiter teeth – what really works?
Recommended with reservations
- Oil pulling with coconut oil: A whitening effect has not been scientifically proven, but oil pulling does no harm. Do not use it as a substitute for brushing your teeth
- Toothpaste with a whitening effect: Contains finer abrasive particles (silica) that remove superficial discolouration. Only a slight effect with regular use
Not recommended
- Baking powder / bicarbonate of soda: Abrades the tooth enamel and makes the teeth more susceptible to new discolouration in the long term. Do not use!
- Lemon juice: The acid attacks the tooth enamel and can cause irreversible damage
- Activated charcoal: Very abrasive and can damage the tooth enamel. The whitening effect has not been scientifically proven
- Crushed strawberries: The fruit acid harms the tooth enamel without any noticeable whitening
Keeping teeth white – tips for everyday life
- Rinse your mouth with water after drinking coffee, tea or red wine
- Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day
- Drink through a straw to reduce contact between pigments and your teeth
- Do not smoke – tobacco causes the most severe discolouration
- Have a professional teeth cleaning regularly
- Eat cheese – calcium and casein can support the remineralisation of the tooth enamel
- Wait 30 minutes after eating before brushing so that the tooth enamel can remineralise
This article is for general information purposes and does not replace professional dental advice. If you have symptoms, please contact your dentist.
