There are numerous causes of teeth discoloration including poor dental hygiene, genetics, smoking, and teeth-staining foods and beverages. The teeth can also become darker with age. Your enamel typically wears down as you get older and the inner yellowish layer of your teeth becomes more visible. Other culprits of stained teeth include certain antibiotics and oral care products that contain chlorhexidine. Luckily, there are ways to keep your teeth white and shiny.
Keep on reading to discover the six methods for teeth whitening and preventing them from additional discoloration.
1. Try in-office whitening
In-office teeth whitening is the minimally invasive way to fix discoloration and prevent it from recurring. Dental specialists use strong solutions of hydrogen peroxide, which guarantees the best possible results. In addition to this, heat and light can both be used to increase the whitening effects of professional treatment. A dental specialist will make sure to prevent any damage to your enamel or surrounding gums during the procedure.
2. Change your lifestyle
Tobacco products with their tar and nicotine can cause severe discoloration to your teeth. Certain foods and beverages including red wine, fruit juices, cola, berries, tomato sauce, coffee, and tea can also stain your teeth. Actually, anything that stains a piece of white cloth can also leave stains on your teeth. Limiting your consumption of these and quitting smoking is vital to preserving the natural brightness and shine of your smile. You can also try drinking through a straw to prevent your enamel from contacting staining elements. And don’t forget to rinse with water after eating or drinking to eliminate all the food residue and acids from your mouth.
3. Stop grinding your teeth
Bruxism (also called teeth grinding) can contribute to the yellowing of your teeth. The immense pressure grinding places on your teeth can wear down the enamel, making the yellowish insides of the tooth more visible. This can result in permanent discoloration. If you’re a chronic teeth grinder, consult a dental specialist about available treatment. Getting rid of this problem will help prevent your teeth from becoming discolored and aged prematurely.
4. Practice proper dental hygiene
One of the most effective ways to prevent your teeth from staining is to take good care of them. Remember to brush and floss your teeth twice a day and use a mouthwash regularly to eliminate plaque and food particles. Switch your toothpaste to one that has no abrasive elements like silica gels, calcium carbonate, phosphate salts, and silicates. Proper dental hygiene helps prevent cavities that are also linked to tooth discoloration. You can try whitening toothpaste to revolve surface stains but don’t expect that it’ll provide any drastic or long-lasting results.
5. Try oil pulling
Oil pulling is the ancient Indian practice that is becoming increasingly popular nowadays. Lots of people state that oil pulling helps whiten teeth, freshen breath, and improves dental health in general. Oil pulling involves swishing a tablespoon of coconut or olive oil in the mouth for about 20 minutes. There’s still no scientific evidence that proves the effectiveness of this method. However, many proponents of oil pulling claim that it can reduce the amount of harmful plaque and discoloration-causing bacteria in your mouth.
6. Consider getting veneers
Dental veneers can help treat various dental problems including chipped, crooked, missing, and discolored teeth. Veneers are custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials that can be fitted over your teeth to improve their appearance and prevent further damage. Some types of veneers, like porcelain ones, are resistant to staining and are highly durable. However, the procedure of installing veneers is highly invasive as it involves removing some portion of your enamel to allow proper support for the dental restoration.