We all know that healthy teeth are a nice, bright white hue. But over time, most of us end up with more yellow than white enamel for various reasons, from the foods we eat to the way we care for our teeth.
In fact, finding someone with naturally white teeth can be a challenge, especially when they’re older. Yet, although light discoloration can be normal when your teeth are suddenly turning orange, there’s a problem.
Orange and brown discolorations in the enamel usually mean that the nerve in the tooth is dead. This could stem from long-term decay or an injury to the tooth from an impact. Sometimes, it takes years for the nerve to die after damage, so by the time your tooth turns orange, you may have forgotten what caused it! (You can read more here about the causes of orange teeth.)
Whatever the reason for the discoloration, you want it to go away, which is understandable. As long as there’s nothing going on under the surface, like decay or damaged nerves, you may be able to treat orange teeth with these home remedies.
1. Check Your Vitamins
The human body needs an assortment of vitamins to run optimally. These nutrients give us energy, keep our systems functioning, and prevent health conditions from creeping up. But did you know they can also affect the health and color of your teeth?
Calcium
One of the most important vitamins is calcium. If you aren’t getting enough of this substance, your teeth and bones may weaken and become brittle and yellow over time. Calcium deficiencies lead to yellow, brown, and orange teeth and eventual tooth loss.
Most of your calcium comes through your diet in the form of leafy greens and dairy products, but you can add more with a calcium supplement.
B12
Under the umbrella of Vitamin B, you’ll find multiple types, including B12. This important vitamin is essential to your teeth and gum health. It gets rid of bacteria that lead to built-up plaque and discoloration.
B12 is also important for overall energy and mental clarity. If you have a deficiency of this vitamin, you likely feel fatigued frequently, and you may have weak muscles and numbness in your extremities. Add more B12 through meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs, or B12 sublingual drops.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiencies are one of the most common conditions in the world, but they can also cause significant damage to the body. With this deficiency, your body has to work harder to absorb calcium, which increases your risk of tooth discoloration, decay, and cavities. It also boosts your risk of developing chronic health conditions like diabetes and heart problems.
Add more Vitamin D to your diet by getting outside in the sunlight or adding fatty fish. Alternatively, you can take Omega-3 and Vitamin D supplements.
2. Baking Soda and Peroxide
When the discoloration is still at the surface area, it’s possible to remove the stains with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste. Both of these ingredients are safe in low doses, but you don’t want to swallow them if you can avoid them.
To make the paste, take a cup, add one tablespoon of baking soda, and pour two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide. Mix well. It should have the consistency of toothpaste.
Add a small amount to your usual toothpaste and scrub with your toothbrush as usual. Rinse your mouth well after brushing. Repeat daily until you have the results you desire.
3. Activated Charcoal
Studies regarding the effectiveness of activated charcoal on whiter teeth continue to vary. However, some studies show that using this ingredient when brushing can help remove pigments and stains from the enamel because it absorbs them into the charcoal, which you then spit out, sending the staining agents down the sink.
Activated charcoal also may get rid of excess bacteria and toxins that regular toothpaste leaves behind.
Because this ingredient is abrasive, it’s suggested that you use caution when brushing. If your teeth become sensitive, reduce how often you use the activated charcoal or mix it with water and make a mouthwash rinse.
4. Eat Fruits and Veggies
Your parents weren’t too far off the mark when they said that eating your fruits and vegetables would make you grow up big and strong! They probably didn’t tell you that it could also keep your teeth from staining.
When you consume fruits and veggies with high water content, such as papaya and pineapple, the meal washes bacteria and plaque off your enamel. Crunchy veggies, like carrots and celery, increase saliva production, removing food particles and washing away harmful acids.
Although you might not always like the taste, you’ll love what adding these items to your diet does for your overall health!
Also Read: Which Health Issues Are Associated With Malnutrition?
Conclusion
We all want a bright, healthy smile, and when your teeth are turning orange, it’s understandably upsetting. Talk to your dentist about the causes of this discoloration, and try these home remedies to reduce staining.
