Stained teeth are not only bad for your overall dental health, but they also reduce your self-confidence and make you shy away from expressing yourself. Removing stains from your teeth may be as simple as making lifestyle changes or using home teeth whitening methods. However, deeper discolorations may require a cosmetic dentistry consultation.
Understanding the causes of staining is the best way to prevent them or determine the best treatment course. Good dental hygiene knowledge and practices will help ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy for as long as possible.
Common Causes of Stains on Teeth
There are various causes of preventable surface stains on your teeth—some types of food, drinks, tobacco, and alcohol are the most common culprits. Food and beverages that contain artificial dyes or are dark in color are more likely to have chromogens, the chemical responsible for staining tooth enamel. Tobacco products leave behind tar that settles deep into the tiny crevices of your teeth, giving them a yellow or brown tint. Other causes of discoloration may hint at a more significant issue.
What is Tartar?
Tartar is the next in line as the most common cause of tooth stains. People who have diabetes take certain medications, and pregnant women have a higher risk of developing tartar. Your Texas dentist can remove tartar from your teeth before it has a chance to cause cavities.
What is Fluorosis?
In some cases, discolorations may be the result of the overuse of fluoride, called fluorosis. It is especially common in young children who receive fluoride treatments. Fluorosis can appear as white or greyish streaks on the teeth, and in more severe cases, as brown or black areas. Though it may seem quite alarming, fluorosis is usually harmless. Proactively addressing these causes can prevent stains from forming in the first place. But, if you choose to indulge in your favorite staining foods and beverages, removing stains from your teeth is more manageable if done regularly.
Teeth Whitening at Home
Incorporating simple treatments into your oral care routine can dramatically reduce the appearance of blotchy patches or darkened lines on your teeth. However, if you ignore stains for too long, they may become more permanent, and you may not experience the benefits of home teeth whitening treatments.
Some tried and true methods for teeth whitening at home include:
- Use toothpaste, mouthwash, or strips designed explicitly for teeth whitening.
- Sprinkle baking soda into your regular toothpaste
- Occasionally replace your regular toothpaste with a mixture of baking soda and peroxide
- Mix two capfuls of hydrogen peroxide with an equal amount of water and use it as a rinse. Peroxide is an antiseptic to help kill bacteria and is a mild bleaching agent to help in removing stains.
Take care to avoid overusing these products as they can damage your tooth enamel. The same is true for overly aggressive brushing or flossing. But, when used regularly and with care, these treatments are highly effective at removing stains. The key to dental hygiene is having a consistent, gentle routine.
Teeth Whitening Made Easy
Cosmetic dentistry often comes with a hefty price tag in both time and money, but Splendid Dental Woodlands makes teeth whitening easy, convenient, and painless. Remember the adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Taking care to prevent stains and routine professional teeth cleaning will help prevent them from becoming a more significant issue.
Find a Dentist in the Woodlands
If you’ve tried these teeth whitening treatments for removing stains without success, it may be time to consult a professional. Contact Splendid Dental Woodlands at 713-587-9996 to schedule a consultation! Our dedicated team is here to provide you with the information and services you need to enjoy the best smile possible.