Tooth discoloration can have many causes, including include age, taking tetracycline as a child, taking in excess fluoride, birth defects, smoking and eating certain foods, according to the toothpaste company Colgate. Discoloration caused by antibiotics or birth defects usually needs to be addressed by a dentist, according to MotherNature.com. Staining that comes from smoking, drinking coffee and eating deeply pigmented foods can be treated at home.
Prevent Further Discoloration
Stop smoking. Smoking will continue to yellow and darken your teeth, even after you treat the staining. NaturalHomeRemedies.org suggests cutting back on your consumption of acidic foods and drinks, such as coffee and tea. Be aware of when you are eating dark foods such as blueberries and beets, and be sure to clean the teeth well afterward to avoid staining.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
If possible, brush your teeth after every meal. An electric toothbrush can remove more stains than a manual toothbrush, according to MotherNature.com. If it is not possible to brush your teeth, rinse your mouth thoroughly after eating to remove food particles that have the potential to stain. One caveat offered by MotherNature.com is to avoid brushing too hard or with super-whitening tooth polishes. These can wear away the whiter enamel, and expose the darker dentin of the tooth, which will only make your teeth darker.
Try Baking Soda
MotherNature.com suggests mixing a small amount of hydrogen peroxide with enough baking soda to make a paste, and gently polishing your teeth with it. NaturalHomeRemedies.org recommends mixing 2 tsp. of baking soda with six pureed strawberries, 1 tsp. of cream of tartar and 1 cup of water. Apply this mixture nightly to your teeth, and it will help to remove tooth stains.
At-Home Bleaching Solutions
You can purchase teeth-bleaching solutions over the counter. Follow the package directions carefully and apply the solution to the teeth with the included bleaching trays. Your dentist can also custom-make bleaching trays and give you bleaching solution to use with them. These solutions can cause some sensitivity to cold and hot in some people. If this happens, stop using the trays. If it persists, ask your dentist for advice.
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