How To Get White Teeth | How To Get Rid Of Stains And Make Teeth White
GKS Family Dentistry • Feb 16, 2019

Want to Get Rid of Stains on Teeth? Here's How to Get Whiter Teeth

Here's how to get whiter teeth and be rid of those ugly stains.

woman with dark curly hair and whitened teeth smiling and holding stringy lights

 

One of the first things a man notices about a woman is her smile.

 

Even if you’re not combing the world for love, your pearly whites say a lot about you. A bright, sparkling grin lets others know you are intelligent, approachable, and worth being impeccably cared for.

 

Dingy teeth, on the other hand, do not set a good tone. Folks may perceive you as lazy, grungy, and even mean when you first meet them.

 

If you have ever wondered how to get whiter teeth, you have come to the right place. A few flashy pointers could make the difference between a great first impression and a dirty deal.

 

How Do We Get Tooth Stains?


For most of us, tooth stains do not appear right away. They creep up as a result of years of eating tooth-staining foods such as soda, dark berries, red wine, and coffee. These eats can settle into the cracks of your tooth enamel and eventually discolor your smile.

 

Smoking and chewing tobacco also erode tooth enamel. Once it has begun to wear down, the dentin underneath your teeth begins to show. This naturally yellow, bony tissue is what we often see in those whose teeth are starting to deteriorate.

 

If you are exposing your teeth to dark foods on a regular basis, some precautions can help prevent staining. Consider drinking soda through a straw, or brushing right after your morning coffee each day.

 

Regular brushing and flossing is the best way to prevent plaque build-up in your mouth. Sometimes, stains appear as a result of a lack of regular dental hygiene.

 

Eating Right

 

Crunchy fruits and vegetables can help to rub plaque away as you chew. Certain fruits, such as strawberries and pineapples, are sometimes mixed with baking soda to create a whitening blend for teeth.

 

Calcium-rich foods, such as milk, yogurt, cheese, and broccoli, can help strengthen your teeth and prevent enamel erosion.

 

Limit your exposure to sugary drinks and foods like candy. Tooth decay begins when bacteria in the mouth uses sugar from foods to produce acids that dissolve and damage your teeth.

 

Baking Soda

 

If your teeth are already a little less dazzling than you would like, there are some natural remedies you can try on your own.

 

The most common solution is baking soda, which acts as a mild abrasive that helps scrub away stains on teeth. Many over-the-counter toothpastes contain baking soda. In fact, it has been proven that the more baking soda is in the paste, the more effective it is at whitening.

 

Baking soda does not, however, get out deeper or older stains. You may want to consider getting professional treatments in these cases.

 

Hydrogen Peroxide

 

Hydrogen peroxide is another common solution for removing teeth stains. It acts as a bleaching agent and is the basis of many tooth-whitening strips and gel trays.

 

Too much hydrogen peroxide, however, can cause burning and irritation on your teeth and gums. It should not be used every day.

 

If your teeth have many deep-set and lingering stains, you may want to consider a professional teeth-whitening at your dentist’s office. Dental bleaching uses a hydrogen-based gel. It also exposes the teeth to blue light to help enhance the whitening process.

 

Antibacterial Mouthwash

 

Antibacterial mouthwashes are designed to kill bacteria in your mouth that causes plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath. Unlike regular mouthwash which masks odor, antibacterial mouthwash can kill the microorganisms that keep tooth stains coming back.

 

Oil-Pulling

 

Oil-pulling is an ancient Indian remedy for treating stained teeth. Popular oils used include sunflower, sesame, and coconut oil. When the cells in your mouth come in contact with a fatty membrane, they will naturally adhere to each other, tightening up your teeth and smile.

 

Doctors recommend coconut oil over the other options because it also contains lauric acid, which is known for its antimicrobial ingredients.

 

The oil removes bacteria, such as streptococcus mutans, which is the most common cause of plaque and gingivitis.

 

Start by swishing the oil around in your mouth for five to ten minutes, and then spit it out into a trash can or toilet, as it can clog the drain in your sink.

 

Oil-pulling should not replace regular brushing and flossing. If your gums are irritated or inflamed, a little vitamin E oil rubbed directly on the surface can be easily absorbed. It is rich in antioxidants and can help generate healthy gum tissue.

 

Professional Whitening

 

Those still dissatisfied with at-home remedies may choose to leave it to a professional. A whitening at your dentist’s office will require you to schedule an appointment ahead of time.

 

Your dentist will make a note of the shade of your teeth before beginning the procedure. They will then polish your teeth with a pumice to remove any plaque on the surface.

 

Your dentist will then retract your tongue, cheeks, and lips to keep them from coming in contact with the whitening solution.

 

A whitening product will then be applied and left on your teeth for 30 to 60 minutes. Depending on the brand, your dentist may continue to apply it. A light or laser will be used to help activate the hydrogen peroxide in the solution.

 

Once the perfect shade has been reached, you can rinse your teeth. A fluoride solution may be applied to help reduce tooth sensitivity. If you want your teeth to continue getting even whiter, additional appointments can be scheduled.

 

For even more perfect teeth, consider porcelain veneers to correct discoloration, dullness, or stains.



How To Get Whiter Teeth


If you are interested in finding out how to get whiter teeth, consider eating better, brushing with baking soda, or oil-pulling. For an even deeper, more brilliant smile, head to your dentist for a professional whitening treatment.

 

For more information, contact us today.


Share by: