What Should be Done to Whiten Yellowed Teeth?
10.02.2026

It is a procedure performed to whiten teeth that have lost their natural color due to various factors with the help of a gel, or to lighten the tooth color by a few shades in a personalized manner. Teeth whitening is an oxygenation-based method.

To answer the question of what should be done to whiten yellowed teeth, there are methods applied both by dentists and by individuals at home. Teeth whitening is one of the most commonly used aesthetic procedures today. Teeth have a porous, sponge-like structure similar to human skin, and foods consumed in the mouth can penetrate these pores.

Especially in individuals who consume products such as tea, coffee, and cigarettes, discoloration of the teeth is frequently observed. As a result of this discoloration, teeth lose their natural appearance and begin to darken. If these stains are not removed with various methods, they become permanent and cause teeth to yellow. For this reason, various methods such as teeth whitening (bleaching) are used to eliminate this yellowing.

What Are the Types of Tooth Discoloration?

There are two types of discoloration. These are explained as follows;

  • Internal discoloration: This type includes structural defects that occur during tooth formation and refers to discoloration that penetrates into the tooth structure. This discoloration cannot be removed by brushing. It is generally associated with medication use and excessive fluoride intake. The most effective method for this type of discoloration is bleaching.
  • External discoloration: This is discoloration that adheres to the outer surface of the tooth due to foods and beverages with staining properties. In general, these stains can be prevented through professional scaling and regular professional brushing following this procedure.

What Is Teeth Whitening (Bleaching)?

It is a procedure performed to whiten teeth that have lost their natural color due to certain factors with the help of a gel, or to lighten the tooth color by a few shades in a personalized way. Teeth whitening is an oxygenation method.
With teeth whitening procedures performed both under the supervision of a dentist and at home, tooth shades can be lightened by two to ten shades, providing individuals with a beautiful and aesthetic smile. Whitening methods are applied in two ways;

  • Office Power Bleaching: First, the teeth are covered with a special barrier material to provide protection. Then, the whitening gel is applied to the teeth and activated with LED light. This one-hour procedure is completed in three stages of fifteen minutes each.
  • Home Bleaching: The gels recommended by the dentist are applied at home and can be easily obtained from pharmacies. However, before using these gels, the dentist prepares custom-made trays that fit the oral structure and contain the whitening gel. This process takes approximately three weeks.

The office bleaching method provides safe whitening of approximately six to eight shades in a short period of time. Home bleaching varies depending on the individual and is achieved by wearing the trays for four to five hours a day.

Explanatory information has been provided regarding what should be done to whiten yellowed teeth. In addition, it should be known that these procedures are completely painless, although in a very small number of individuals they may cause mild sensitivity or discomfort. This is usually observed in individuals with tooth wear or cracks. If excessive sensitivity occurs, the use of painkillers is recommended.

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Tülay AKKOL

Chief Dentist

Tülay AKKOL

Chief Dentist and Tülay Akkol Dental founder Tülay Akkol shares valuable insights on dental health and care, offering practical tips for everyday life. Her articles also highlight the latest innovations and developments in dentistry, helping readers stay informed about the industry's advancements.

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