Though our teeth are naturally predisposed to having a yellow or grey tint a white smile is almost universally considered desirable. However, over time our teeth can become stained, causing many of us to search for ways to whiten our teeth and prevent them from getting stained again. Show
Types of Tooth DiscolourationOur teeth can become discoloured for a variety of reasons. Stains on the surface of our teeth, or even changes inside the tooth, can both cause our teeth to discolour. Tooth discolouration causes can be sorted into three main types: ExtrinsicExtrinsic stains are stains that occur on the surface of the tooth and happens when stain-inducing particles such as food or drink residue that is strongly pigmented are allowed to build up in the film of protein that covers our tooth enamel. Extrinsic stains can commonly be treated using regular dental cleanings and a variety of teeth whitening products such as whitening toothpaste. IntrinsicIntrinsic stains occur beneath the surface of the tooth and occur when stain-causing particles are able to work their way through the outer layer of your tooth and accumulate within the enamel. Intrinsic tooth stains are more difficult to remove then extrinsic stains, but they can be treated. Intrinsic stains typically require either in-office whitening solutions provided by your dentist or by using some at home whitening products such as tray based products or whitening strips. Age-relatedAs we age our teeth tend to accumulate both extrinsic and intrinsic stains, causing discoloration. However, even if we are able to remove both types of stains our teeth still tend to yellow as we age. Over time the core tissue in our teeth, the dentin, yellows over time. At the same time, the enamel that covers the outside of our teeth also begins to thin, allowing the dentin to show through more easily. These intrinsic causes can cause our teeth to discolour, especially if they are also paired with extrinsic stains. What Causes Teeth to Stain?Teeth stains, both extrinsic and intrinsic, are caused by a variety of factors. The most common are:
How Can I Get Rid of The Stains on my Teeth?While the best way to keep your teeth white is to avoid letting them get stained in the first place that information doesn’t help remove stains that have already accumulated. Depending on the type and severity of the stains on your teeth there are a variety of whitening options available to you. However, before you begin any teeth whitening regime you should speak with your dentist since teeth whitening may not be a suitable option for everyone. For Minor Surface StainsMinor surface stains may be treated with surface whiteners, such as a whitening toothpaste. While all toothpastes contain mild abrasives to help you remove plaque and food particles from your teeth whitening toothpastes also typically include polishing agents or chemicals to increase their stain-removing effectiveness. When choosing a whitening toothpaste always opt for CDA approved brands so you can avoid choosing a toothpaste that is too abrasive and may damage your teeth. However, whitening toothpastes do not contain bleaching agents, so they can only help with surface stains. For more serious stains you will likely need stronger at home products or an in-office whitening treatment. For More Serious Surface StainsIf a whitening toothpaste just doesn’t seem to cut it you may need to consider using a bleaching product. Whitening gels involve applying a peroxide-based compound directly to your teeth using a small brush. Whitening strips use the same compounds, but instead of painting them on your teeth using a brush they are spread onto thin clear plastic strips which you then apply to your teeth. Both types of products contain bleaching agents and should give you visible results within a matter of days. You may also want to consider using a tray-based teeth whitening product. These can be purchased either from your dentist or over-the-counter, and involve filling a mouth-guard-shaped tray with a peroxide-based gel whitening solution. The tray is typically worn for a few hours, but the exact time varies from product to product. Products designed for nighttime use tend to contain lower peroxide concentrations than those designed for daytime use. This is so that the chemicals involved in the process are less likely to irritate your gums or cause tooth sensitivity. For Really Tough StainsDepending on what types of stains are involved, and their severity, you may need to opt for an in-office treatment. In-office treatments are by far the most effective and efficient way to remove tooth stains. During an in-office whitening treatment, the whitening product is applied directly to your teeth and may be combined with heat, a laser, or a special light. Most in-office treatments offer visible results after the first session, but more heavily stained teeth may require several treatments in order to achieve the level of whitening you are looking for. In office, treatments are more effective than at-home treatments for a variety of reasons.
Will My Teeth Get Stained Again?Whether or not your stains return depends a lot on what caused them in the first place. If your tooth discolouration was mostly caused by eating stain-causing foods, consuming tobacco, or not practising good oral hygiene then your stains will likely return if you don’t adjust your habits. If your stains are caused by medications you are taking or medical treatments you are undergoing then your stains will likely return as long as you are continuing to take those medications or undergo those treatments. However, stains that are caused by trauma are unlikely to return unless you retraumatize the area. The best thing you can do to help remove teeth stains and keep them from returning is to talk to your dentist. They will be able to help you determine what is causing your teeth to become stained, what you can do to remove the stains, and what you should be doing to prevent further stains from forming in the future. Can stains be removed from teeth?Stains that appear on the surface of your teeth can usually be removed or reduced with teeth whitening products or procedures. These can be done by your dentist or you can try at-home products.
How do you get deep stains off your teeth?10 Easy Ways to Remove Stains from Teeth. Use whitening toothpaste.. Use baking soda.. Apply activated charcoal.. Apply hydrogen peroxide.. Rub with fruit peel.. Consume a better diet.. Tooth whitening strips.. Eat fruits.. How do I get brown stains off my teeth?The following home remedies can eliminate stains caused by foods, drinks, or lifestyle habits such as smoking: Brush the teeth with a mixture of baking soda and water every few days. Rinse the mouth with a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution every day or every few days. Always rinse the mouth with water afterward.
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