Tooth stains can happen for many different reasons. The good news is that many of these stains are treatable and preventable. You may want to whiten your teeth in preparation for a big event, photoshoot, or simply for every day. No matter the reason, there are many different ways that you can whiten your teeth. Read on to learn four ways to eliminate tooth stains.
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Why are my teeth stained?
Tooth stains are very common. Changes in the color of your teeth may happen gradually and be subtle. Additionally, a slight yellow color to your teeth is natural and may be inevitable. However, many factors can cause your teeth to appear more stained or yellow. These factors can be divided into three main categories of tooth stains: Extrinsic, intrinsic, and age-related.
Extrinsic stains only affect the surface of the tooth. Common extrinsic stains include foods like blueberries or excessive amounts of sugar, beverages such as coffee, tea, or red wine, and smoking or chewing tobacco.
Intrinsic stains are located within the tooth. They are difficult to treat with over-the-counter whitening products. Intrinsic stains could be caused by tooth decay, injury to a tooth, genetics, or certain medications.
Finally, age-related stains occur with aging due to enamel wearing down over time. Other common causes of tooth stains and yellowing include poor dental care and oral hygiene.
How can I eliminate tooth stains?
1. See Your Dentist Regularly
One way that you can prevent and eliminate tooth stains is by seeing your dentist regularly. You should see your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning as part of your overall health and wellness. These regular cleanings will often help reduce the appearance of stains and spots, as well as treat and prevent cavities that could cause future stains.
2. In-Office Teeth Whitening Treatments
Your dentist can also do whitening treatments to your teeth in their office. They typically use higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide compared to at-home products. This means their treatment is fast, and the effects often last longer than other teeth whitening methods.
3. Over-the-Counter Products
There are many over-the-counter products you can purchase to eliminate tooth stains. These include products like whitening toothpaste, which works best when used twice a day, and whitening strips.
Be aware that some over-the-counter teeth whitening products can cause tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. Talking with your dentist before trying over-the-counter teeth whitening products is best.
4. Home Remedies
Home remedies are a popular option for whitening teeth. When using home remedies, be careful not to use products incorrectly or for too much time. You risk wearing away too much of your enamel and putting yourself at risk for cavities and tooth sensitivity.
One common home remedy for teeth whitening is baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Mix the two together to create a paste, then brush your teeth using the paste. Once you are finished, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. This mixture is said to remove plaque buildup and bacteria, eliminating tooth stains.
The baking soda and hydrogen peroxide home remedy has been studied extensively and has been proven to whiten your teeth. Kinds of toothpaste with baking soda have also been proven to be effective for eliminating tooth stains and whitening teeth.
Final Thoughts on Eliminating Tooth Stains
No matter how you choose to whiten your teeth, it is important to be careful to protect your enamel and gums. Be cautious when using teeth whitening methods so that you don’t cause tooth sensitivity or cavities.
The best way to eliminate tooth stains is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Be proactive about practicing good oral hygiene, seeing the dentist regularly for cleanings, and brushing and flossing daily to prevent tooth stains and keep your teeth looking pearly white.
