Yellowish teeth and bad breath are very common and usually caused by plaque buildup or surface stains. For daily care, brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, preferably one with baking soda to gently reduce yellowing. Floss daily to remove odor-causing food trapped between teeth. You can also use an alcohol-free antiseptic mouthwash containing cetylpyridinium chloride or a diluted hydrogen peroxide rinse to combat odor. Please avoid harsh, unverified whitening kits as they can damage enamel. Most importantly, visit a dentist for a professional cleaning, which is the most effective and safest way to resolve this. You've got this!

Please prioritize treating your cavity before attempting to whiten your teeth. Whitening products contain active bleaching agents (like hydrogen peroxide) that can penetrate the cavity, reaching the inner nerves and causing severe pain or permanent tooth damage. First, visit a dentist to have the cavity filled and restored. Once your teeth are healthy, you can safely discuss whitening. Your dentist can provide professional whitening or recommend safe, dentist-approved at-home kits. Avoid over-the-counter whitening strips, abrasive charcoal toothpastes, or DIY kits until your cavity is fully treated, as they will worsen sensitivity and damage weakened enamel.