How to Fix Stained Teeth

A number of the foods and beverages we consume - from coffee and tea to red wine and more – can leave stains on our teeth that dull the pearly white appearance over time. In some cases, age and genetics can also play a starring role in tooth discoloration, as can trauma to the teeth or gums. If you have been fretting over stained teeth, read on for some possible remedies, some of which can be done in the comfort of your home and some of which are better suited for your dentist’s office.

Whitening Stained Teeth at Home

Many people in search of whiter, brighter teeth prefer to seek treatments they can apply in the comfort of their own home. While you should be careful to avoid any “natural” or DIY treatments that you read about on the internet, as these can actually damage your teeth rather than providing a solution, there are a number of safe at-home remedies that are dentist approved.

Whitening toothpastes, for example, is one of the most commonly utilized remedies for lightly stained teeth. Whitening toothpastes can be purchased at your regular drugstore or grocery store, are safe and effective, and contain special ingredients designed to moderately whiten teeth with consistent daily use. While whitening toothpastes won’t provide dramatic results, their use will yield modest results and can also help prevent deep stains from setting in in the first place, which is an important function for those who consume a lot of staining foods, beverages, and/or products.

Another possible solution for lightly stained teeth is the application of whitening strips. Like whitening toothpastes, whitening strips can be purchased in a variety of locations. They are best purchased in your dentist’s office, however, so if you are interested in trying out whitening strips, give your dentist a call before heading to your local drugstore. Whitening strips are typically used daily for two weeks and use peroxide as the primary whitening ingredient.

Finally, if you have more moderate tooth discoloration or simply want to achieve more dramatic results, at-home bleaching trays can be a good option. They use similar ingredients as whitening strips but in larger quantities and are applied to the teeth via small trays that rest against your teeth each day for about a month. While at-home bleaching trays are more costly than whitening toothpastes or strips, costing between $150-300 over the counter, they are also more effective. Like whitening strips, at-home bleaching trays purchased from your dentist will provide the best results, so call your dentist today if you’re thinking about trying this at-home remedy.

Whitening Stained or Discolored Teeth at Your Dentist’s Office

While whitening teeth at home is convenient and less costly than the procedures that your dentist might recommend, the procedures employed in your dentist’s office yield much better results, so if you’re serious about whitening your teeth and can afford the expense, in-office treatments might be the best option.
To achieve dramatically whiter teeth – anywhere from three to eight shades lighter – you might consider in-office bleaching trays. Much like the at-home bleaching trays, the bleaching trays used by your dentist contain whitening ingredients but in much more concentrated amounts. In their dental office, your dentist also has the option to use ultraviolet lights and/or heat to speed up and intensify the whitening process. Depending on the degree of staining and the level of whiteness you want to achieve, this may be done over a series of visits.

In some cases, tooth discoloration simply cannot be reversed by the whitening procedures described above. This is most often the case when teeth have become very discolored by age, trauma, or certain medications. In these cases, you might consider porcelain veneers, which are thin slips of porcelain that are adhered to and cover the front of the tooth, instantly providing the exact results you desire.

More on Fixing Teeth : Fix Tooth Sensitivity