Have Stains on Your Teeth 4 Best Ways to Make Them Shine Again

Tooth discoloration is a pervasive cosmetic problem that almost everyone will have to deal with at some point. While brushing and flossing should keep most stains at bay, there may come a point when it feels as if you are fighting a losing battle. Here are a few simple tips that will help you brighten your teeth and improve your oral health.

<h2>Alter Your Diet</h2>

Some of the foods and beverages that you consume every day could be staining your teeth, and you will need to remove those products from your diet if your teeth are already prone to staining. In addition to cutting out soda, you might also want to limit your intake of coffee, wine, and tea. Dark berries, tomato sauces, and popsicles can stain your teeth as well, though these wear off faster. If you can’t bear to give these up but are worried about your teeth, it can greatly reduce your risk of tooth stains to rinse your mouth with water after you eat. Just swishing some water around real quick after a meal or a drink keep the staining material from settling on your teeth and also help prevent sugars from settling to create cavities.

<h2>Home Whitening Products</h2>

It might be tempting to use over-the-counter whitening products, but many of those gels will damage the outer layers of your teeth if you aren’t careful. Tooth whitening treatments should be carefully monitored by your dentist so that you aren’t using them too frequently. You can also try non-toxic household products like hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, though these will also cause tooth sensitivity if used too often. 

<h2>Professional Whitening Services</h2>

Professional whitening treatments are incredibly effective, and a dentist could brighten your smile by multiple shades in a single hour. Most of these treatments are carried out with a peroxide-based gel that lifts external stains. Some dentists also use specialty lights that activate the peroxide and improve its efficiency. These treatments can usually be carried out at least twice a year, and the results should last for well over six months as long as you continue to brush and floss your teeth. 

<h2>Dental Veneers</h2>

For deeper stains that are well below the surface of your teeth, you will need to consider professional options such as porcelain veneers treatments. A porcelain veneer treatment should only take an hour or two to complete, and these restorative devices often last for well over a decade with the proper aftercare and maintenance. If your porcelain veneers ever become stained or chipped, then you can schedule a follow-up appointment to have them replaced. These are the best option for when the blemishes in your teeth are from fillings and internal damage or deposits rather than external stains.

In addition to all of these tips and tricks, you should also schedule regular dental checkups so that your teeth can be professionally cleaned. An experienced dentist will use advanced tools to remove any lingering food debris or plaque that you have missed, and that is going to boost your oral health and improve the appearance of your teeth.