Imagine attending luxury events in Toronto and being awkward around people simply because you don’t feel confident about your smile. Aside from being a total letdown, stained teeth can affect the way people see you.
The teeth may darken, turn to a different colour, or develop spots in some places. To find the right teeth whitening professional in Sarnia, it would help to know what causes the discolouration first. This condition can be the result of any or a combination of the following:
- Extrinsic or the result of coming in contact with food and other chemicals.
- Intrinsic or the result of something inside the teeth or body.
- Age-related which is attributed to the loss of calcium in the body.
Common Food and Practices that Cause Discolouration
Tooth discolouration can be caused by several factors. Here are some:
- Food or drinks – Some common food and drinks that can leave stains on the teeth over time are coffee, colas, tea, wines, apples, potatoes, and others.
- Tobacco use – People who smoke or chew tobacco will have visibly stained teeth brought by its nicotine content.
- Poor dental hygiene – Individuals who are not brushing, flossing or rinsing enough to remove any foreign body, plaque, or staining products on their teeth will experience discolouration.
- Dental materials – Individuals who wore and used dentistry materials and tools can notice discolouration in some areas. A dental material notorious for stains is silver sulfide often used for amalgam restorations because of the grey to a black colour they leave on the teeth.
- Diseases – There are several diseases that can affect the enamel and dentin. The enamel is the hard surface of the teeth. The dentin is the underlying material. Chemotherapy, head and neck radiation, and infections during pregnancy are just some things that can cause teeth to change colour.
- Medications – Antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline are known for discolouring the teeth of children aged 8 and below. Antihistamines, antipsychotic medication, and blood pressure-regulating medicines also have the same effect.
- Aging – As people get older, the teeth also wear away, therefore, revealing the natural colour of the dentin.
- Genetics – Some people are predisposed to have naturally thicker and brighter enamel than others.
Home Remedies to Whiten Teeth
Regardless of the reason for teeth discolouration, its effects on the individual are undeniable. Most will feel less confident as their teeth do not look as appealing as they used to. If you are noticing some stains on your teeth, you need to take swift action. The good thing is, you can start getting rid of the discolouration right at your own home.
Here are four simple ways to get your pearly whites back:
1. Brush your teeth especially when eating staining food and drinks
The very first step to taking care of your teeth is by brushing them often and correctly. If you are consuming any food or drink that can lead to yellowing, then make sure to brush. But make sure to wait at least 30 minutes after eating acidic food and drinks since brushing too soon can further erode the enamel.
Regular brushing and flossing are two simple routines that can have a great impact on keeping your teeth looking their best. Remember to brush for at least 2 minutes at a time, reaching into the cracks and crevices. Brush the teeth’s inside, outside, and chewing surfaces. Invest in a good electric toothbrush that can help effectively lessen surface stains.
2. Use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
When brushing, make a paste made of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to help remove plaque buildup and bacteria on teeth. The perfect paste is composed of a mix of 1 tablespoon baking soda and 2 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide. After brushing, make sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly to remove the excess paste on your teeth.
There is plenty of available baking soda and hydrogen peroxide that you can purchase. A similar option is to find toothpaste with these two ingredients. The waiting period for the result is typically one to two months depending on the frequency of brushing.
There are a handful of studies that support the use of both baking soda and hydrogen peroxide on teeth whitening products. You can use them at least once daily to remove stains.
3. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is considered a miracle ingredient as it can be used for many things. One of the ways it can be used is in teeth whitening.
To create a mouthwash, mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 6 ounces water. Gargle and swish this solution for 30 seconds. Rinse it with water and brush your teeth.
While apple cider has the potential to bleach teeth, you have to be wary of using it as prolonged use can damage the enamel of the teeth.
4. Activated charcoal
There are claims that using activated charcoal can remove stains from your teeth. It is believed that charcoal can remove pigments and stains from teeth due to its high-absorbing properties. It is said to get rid of the bacteria and toxins of the mouth.
You can pour powdered activated charcoal on your toothbrush and proceed with your routine. Be careful around the gum areas because it can be abrasive. Make sure to spit it out because it is not healthy for your tummy.
There is also some toothpaste that contains activated charcoal so it is easier for you to apply and use it. You can also mix this ingredient with a small amount of water to create a mouthwash that you can swish for 2 minutes and spit it out.
If you are worried about your smile because it is not as white as those the toothpaste commercial models wear you can still work with a Brampton dentist to improve your pearly whites. There are plenty of home and clinic options for teeth whitening that you can choose from. Your dental health provider can discuss several options that suit your need and teeth condition.