Yellow teeth usually have one of two causes. Surface stains, for example from coffee, tea, red wine or smoking, are removed by dental hygiene, a professional teeth cleaning. If the tooth itself has become more yellow, for example because the enamel thins over the years and the more yellow dentine shows through, teeth whitening lightens it. At Zahnlounge we whiten with Philips Zoom, in one session. The most beautiful result often comes from both: dental hygiene first, then whitening.
Updated: 9 November 2026
Surface stains
They are caused by colourings that settle on the enamel:
- coffee, black tea, red wine
- smoking
- certain mouthwashes, when used for a long time
- iron-containing medication
Dental hygiene helps here. A warm powder-and-water jet removes plaque and stains from every tooth and every surface. Afterwards your teeth feel smooth and look brighter.
When the tooth itself is more yellow
Beneath the enamel lies the dentine, which is naturally more yellow. Over the years the enamel thins and the dentine shows through more. Your natural disposition plays a part too: some people have slightly darker teeth from the start.
Whitening helps here. The gel breaks down colourings that have built up in the tooth and lightens it from within. With Philips Zoom, the gel is activated with light, in two or three cycles in one session.
If only a single tooth is dark or grey, a dead nerve or an earlier accident is often behind it. We clarify that first.
Which path suits you?
| What you see | What helps |
|---|---|
| Traces of coffee, tea or smoke, especially at the edges and between the teeth | dental hygiene |
| Your teeth are more yellow overall than they used to be | power whitening, most even with a dental hygiene appointment directly beforehand |
| You have whitened before and would like to refresh | dental hygiene with fresh-up whitening |
| A single tooth is dark or grey | clarify the cause first |
| Fillings or crowns in the visible area | discuss beforehand: they keep their colour |
What does little
Products from the chemist contain very little active ingredient and mainly remove surface stains. Baking soda and lemon roughen or attack the enamel. Stains then cling even better to the rough surface. Read more in “Teeth whitening: at the dentist or from the chemist?”.
So that your teeth stay bright
- After coffee, tea or red wine, have a sip of water.
- In the first 48 hours after whitening, avoid strongly colouring food and drinks.
- Have a dental hygiene appointment regularly, every six months for most people. That keeps the result fresh for a long time.
