Many people are very self-conscious about their smile. Who wouldn’t be? A smile could determine a person’s perception of you and is usually the lasting first impression. So, how to remove deep stains from teeth?
When the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry asked people what they wanted to change about their smile, most people answered that they wanted it to become brighter and whiter. Learn more about teeth whitening, how it’s done, and what you should know before booking that appointment.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a procedure that can lighten the color of your teeth. It should only be done by a dentist or a dental professional under the prescription of a dentist. Teeth whitening can be done using two types of bleach namely:
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Carbamide Peroxide
These bleaches work by breaking down stains on the teeth and making them less visible.
Causes of Teeth Discoloration
People who choose to have their teeth whitened usually have some discoloration on their teeth that they want to get rid of. Discoloration of the tooth can be caused by any of the following:
Tobacco
One of the major downsides of smoking is how this can darken your teeth. Harmful chemicals found in cigarettes like tar and nicotine can stain teeth, making them appear yellow.
Certain food and drinks
Drinks like coffee, tea, soda, and wine can cause stains on your teeth. Starchy food like potatoes can also make your teeth more prone to discoloration.
Poor oral hygiene
Plaque or tartar build-up can cause discoloration of your teeth and even gum disease.
Medications
Antihistamines, antipsychotics, and medications for hypertension are known to cause the teeth to darken. Tetracycline and iron supplements are also known medications to cause staining.
Aside from this, chemotherapy may also have effects on the color of your teeth.
Trauma
Dentin is a light-yellow layer of tissue found under the enamel. Trauma on the mouth causes dentin to be produced. So if someone or something hits your mouth, the blow might cause discoloration.
If trauma has occurred, consult your dentist because a grayish discoloration might be a sign that your tooth is not receiving enough blood supply and is about to become necrotic or in other words, a dying tooth.
Age
Enamel, typically translucent and white, wears down over time causing the light yellow colored dentin to show through as a person ages.
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What Happens During a Teeth Whitening Procedure?
The safest way to bleach your teeth and remove deep stains from teeth is to do it at the dentist’s office. Before the procedure, your dentist will create a “tray” that best fits your teeth. This is where the bleaching agents will be applied. During the procedure, your dentist will apply a gel or let you wear a rubber shield on your gums to protect them.
A whitening agent will be applied to the “tray” and you will be asked to wear it much like a mouthguard. Take note that you may need to visit your dentist a few more times after this, or you may be advised to continue whitening your teeth at home.
Another way would be the direct application of the whitening agent on your tooth by the dentist after placing a barrier for your gums. Then putting the teeth under laser light to activate the teeth whitening chemicals.
Do Teeth Whitening Procedures Work on Everyone?
Most teeth whitening methods won’t work on all areas of the teeth, which is why you need to consult your dentist before you get this procedure done.
Teeth whitening usually won’t work on the following:
- Dentures: Dentures are removable dental appliances created to replace lost teeth.
- Crowns: A crown is a “cap” shaped like a tooth that is placed over your real teeth to restore damage, protect a tooth, or cover discoloration.
- Fillings: Dental fillings are used to cover up cavities, which are holes in the teeth caused by tooth decay. Dental fillings can be made up of resin, metals, and even gold.
- Veneers: Veneers serve the purpose of filling in or replacing the front surface of the teeth. They serve many purposes from restoring chipped tooths and even correcting misalignment of your bite.
Dentures, crowns, fillings, and veneers are made of artificial materials like porcelain, which means that teeth whitening agents won’t affect them. Only real enamel is responsive to teeth whitening.
Not all stains can be removed or corrected through teeth whitening. Yellowing of teeth will best respond to whitening procedures, while brown or gray discoloration might not budge. It’s also important to note that discoloration caused by injury or medications can’t be corrected by bleaching methods.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay
How to Remove Deep Stains From Teeth
If you’ve just recently had your teeth whitened or if you want to keep your teeth pearly white, it’s important to keep these in mind:
- Cut back on coffee, tea, and other beverages that may cause discoloration. This doesn’t mean completely eliminating them from your diet. By simply reducing your intake, you’re already doing wonders for your teeth.
- Use a straw when drinking beverages. A straw limits contact between what you’re drinking and your teeth.
- Try drinking a bit of water every time you’re enjoying a cup of tea or coffee if you’re an avid drinker. Sipping a bit of water can help wash away any of the fluids that may stain your teeth.
- Practice good dental hygiene by brushing your teeth and flossing every day. Take note to avoid brushing your teeth after acidic drinks like coffee as this can wear your enamel down and make you at risk of tooth decay.
- Get your teeth cleaned by a professional every six months, and don’t skip your scheduled dentist appointments.
Key Takeaways
How to remove deep stains from teeth? Teeth whitening is an option and it involves bleaching the teeth to lighten stains and discoloration, resulting in a brighter and whiter smile. Teeth discoloration can be caused by many factors like certain types of food and drink, medication, and age.
It’s best to get your teeth whitened by a dentist who knows how to properly do the procedure. Avoid attempting DIY teeth whitening methods like using activated charcoal or spices. These are not proven effective to whiten your teeth and may do more harm than good.
For your teeth whitening options, you may contact your dentist to determine what best suits you.
Learn more about Oral Health here.
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