You brush your teeth every single day, maybe even twice, but they still look yellow. It’s frustrating, right? You’re not alone. Many people have the same question: Why are my teeth yellow even though I brush them?
The truth is, brushing is only one part of keeping your teeth white. There are other reasons your teeth may still look yellow. In this post, we’ll explain those reasons in simple words based on real dental advice.
Your Teeth Enamel Might Be Thin
Your teeth have a white outer layer called enamel. Under that layer is a yellow part called dentin. If your enamel is thin, the yellow dentin shows through making your teeth look yellow even if they’re clean.
Why Your Teeth enamel get thin:
- Brushing too hard
- Acidic foods or drinks (like soda and lemon)
- Teeth grinding (often while sleeping)
- Aging
- Genetics (you may have been born with thinner enamel)
Dentist tip: Use a soft toothbrush and brush gently. Avoid brushing right after eating acidic foods.
Stains Go Deeper Than Brushing
Some foods and drinks leave stains that go deep inside your teeth. These stains don’t come off just by brushing.
Common causes:
- Coffee and tea
- Red wine
- Dark sodas
- Curry and soy sauce
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
Dentist tip: Try drinking dark drinks with a straw and rinsing your mouth with water after eating or drinking.
Your Tooth Brushing Method Might Not Be Right
You may be brushing your teeth every day, but are you brushing the right way?
Common mistakes while brushing teeth:
- Not brushing for 2 full minutes
- Missing hard-to-reach areas
- Using a worn-out toothbrush
- Not flossing
- Not cleaning your tongue
Dentist tip: Use small, gentle circles. Brush twice a day and floss once daily. Replace your toothbrush every 3 months.
Plaque and Tartar Can Make Teeth Yellow
Plaque is a sticky film that builds up on your teeth. If not removed, it hardens into tartar, which is yellow or brown. Brushing can’t remove tartar; only a dentist can. Get your teeth cleaned by a dentist every 6 months. This removes tartar and keeps your smile brighter.
Smoking or Using Tobacco
Smoking or chewing tobacco stains your teeth badly. It makes them yellow or even brown over time, and brushing doesn’t fix it.
Dentist tip: Quitting tobacco is one of the best things you can do for your teeth and overall health.
Some Foods Naturally Stain Teeth
Even healthy foods can stain your teeth over time.
Examples:
- Berries
- Tomatoes
- Beets
- Balsamic vinegar
Natural Aging
As we get older, enamel naturally gets thinner. This makes the yellow dentin underneath more visible. This is normal with age. You can talk to your dentist about safe whitening options if it bothers you.
You Might Have Too Much Fluoride
If you had too much fluoride as a child, your teeth may have something called fluorosis. This can cause white or yellowish spots.
Ask your dentist if fluoride is causing the color changes in your teeth.
Why Are My Teeth Yellow When I Brush Them Every Day
Right Time To Brush Your Teeth
You might know that brushing your teeth is important, but when you brush also matters a lot. Many people don’t realize that timing can affect how healthy and white your teeth stay.
Brush Twice a Day No Matter What
According to dentists, the best time to brush your teeth is:
In the Morning (After You Wake Up)
While you sleep, bacteria build up in your mouth. That’s why your breath smells bad in the morning. Brushing first thing helps clean your teeth and gives you a fresh start to the day.
At Night (Before Bed)
This is the most important time to brush. It removes all the food, plaque, and bacteria that have built up during the day. If you don’t brush at night, those bacteria stay on your teeth and cause cavities while you sleep.
Should You Brush Your Teeth Before or After Breakfast?
Dentists say it is best to brush before breakfast, especially if you eat something acidic (like orange juice or fruit). Why?
- Acid softens your enamel.
- If you brush right after eating something acidic, it can wear down your enamel and damage your teeth.
If you prefer brushing after breakfast, wait at least 30 minutes. This gives your enamel time to get strong again.
Why are my teeth yellow when i brush them everyday?
How Long Should You Brush?
- Brush your teeth for 2 full minutes each time.
- Use a soft toothbrush and gentle circles.
- Don’t forget your tongue, it holds a lot of bacteria.
Why Are My Teeth Still Yellow When I Brush Them Everyday
Brushing your teeth every day is important, but your teeth can still look yellow because of a few common reasons. Dentists say that thin enamel can make the yellow layer underneath (called dentin) show through, making your teeth look less white. Drinks like coffee, tea, and soda, or habits like smoking, can also leave deep stains that regular brushing can’t remove. Sometimes, plaque hardens into tartar, which needs to be cleaned by a dentist. That’s why it’s important to brush gently for 2 minutes, floss daily, avoid stain-causing foods, and visit your dentist every 6 months to keep your teeth clean and bright.
What You Can Do to Whiten Your Teeth Safely
- Use a whitening toothpaste (dentist-approved)
- Avoid foods and drinks that stain
- Rinse your mouth with water after meals
- Quit smoking or chewing tobacco
- Visit your dentist for professional cleanings
- Consider professional whitening if needed
How To Brighten Teeth With Braces?
Brightening your teeth while wearing braces can be a bit harder, but it’s possible with good care. Dentists say you should brush gently around the brackets for 2 minutes twice a day using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Flossing daily with a threader helps remove food and plaque that cause stains. Try to avoid dark drinks like coffee, tea, or soda, and rinse your mouth with water after eating. Whitening toothpastes made for braces can help, but always ask your dentist before using any whitening products. Regular dental cleanings also keep your teeth looking fresh and healthy during braces treatment.
FAQs
1. Can yellow teeth become white again?
Yes! With proper care, whitening toothpaste, and dentist-approved treatments, many people can whiten their teeth safely.
2. How long does it take to whiten teeth?
It depends. Some people see results in 1–2 weeks with whitening toothpaste. Professional treatments work faster.
3. Does brushing too much make teeth yellow?
Yes, if you brush too hard, it can wear down enamel and make the yellow dentin show through.
4. What is the best way to avoid yellow teeth?
Brush and floss daily, avoid stain-causing foods, don’t smoke, and see your dentist regularly.
