If there is one thing that concerns many people when they smile, it is how their teeth look. While consciousness about one's smile can take many forms, having teeth stains has always stood out as a key factor.
With the evolution of social media culture, where everything is shared for the public eye, having stained teeth can increase insecurities. In some cases, it also results in people withdrawing from events that require socialising, affecting self-esteem altogether.
We all wish to have the perfect white pearly smile. It enhances our confidence and ability to express our emotions without the fear of judgment.
This blog will list down five effective methods on how to get rid of stains on teeth and get you one step closer to your dream smile.
Understanding Teeth Stains
Before getting right into the topic of understanding how to get rid of stains on teeth, it is important to understand the types of teeth stains and their differences.
This will help in laying down the basics of teeth staining and the approach each type requires for sustainable solutions.
Generally, teeth stains are of two types extrinsic and intrinsic. Here is what each of them means:
Extrinsic Stains
These are stains that are caused on the surface of the teeth. Extrinsic stains are commonly caused by things you can control, like dietary patterns.
Certain foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and berries can cause extrinsic stains. Smoking and poor oral hygiene also contribute significantly to this type of stained teeth.
They occur on the surface of your teeth and can usually be removed with professional cleaning or basic changes to one lifestyle and diet.
Intrinsic Stains
This type of stain occurs within the tooth structure and has a much deeper impact than on the surface level.
The common causes of intrinsic stains are ageing, genetic, certain medications like tetracycline antibiotics, trauma to the teeth, or excessive fluroride intake during childhood.
These stains occur beneath the surface of your teeth and may not respond to professional cleaning or changes to oral hygiene practices. They can only be removed with more advanced whitening methods.
Practice Better Oral Hygiene
The first and best way to get rid of tooth stains, if they are extrinsic, is to practice good oral hygiene. Make it a habit to brush twice a day and floss regularly.
Aside from helping you achieve a white smile, these practices also play a crucial role in general oral hygiene. They help prevent the build-up of plaque and the resulting teeth conditions like cavities.
One of the common problems with brushing is that people tend to overlook the technique. The proven way to brush is to go up and down and with sideways motion. Doing this helps to get rid of plaque, as it does not move easily.
It is also important to pay attention to the back of the teeth. Many ignore this area, which results in dark stains that gradually move to the front.
Yellow teeth stains are a clear indication that you need to improve your oral hygiene.
Change Your Dietary Patterns
Having too much dark-coloured food or beverages can cause stained teeth. Being mindful of your diet with food and beverages like tea, red wine, coffee, cola and soft drinks, berries, curry, tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, beetroot, candy, and sweets can help in reducing their impact in causing teeth stains.
One good practice is to brush right after eating any of these foods or limit contact with the teeth by consuming such beverages using a straw when possible.
Yellow teeth stains can also indicate issues developing from your diet choices. Purple stains are more likely to occur in people who consume a lot of red wine.
Brown stains can mean one of two things: either you are a heavy smoker or are using chewing tobacco, or it can be due to untreated tooth decay.
Dental Cleanings
Going to your dentist for regular dental cleanings, in addition to maintaining good oral hygiene and dietary practices, can reverse stained teeth.
During dental cleaning, the use of specialised tools effectively removes plaque and tartar buildup, which can harbour stains and lead to discolouration.
Anyone trying to understand how to get rid of stains on teeth should keep in mind that plaque, when hardened turn into tartar, can be more difficult to remove, causing more pronounced staining. Regular dental cleaning can prevent this to a great extent.
Professional dental cleaning also includes teeth polishing which smooths out the tooth surface, making it more resistant to plaque buildup and future staining.
Not to mention, regular dental cleaning helps diagnose any early-onset teeth or oral issues, which can prevent them from developing into serious issues in the future.
Zoom Whitening
Anyone looking for a permanent solution on how to get rid of stains on teeth should consider Zoom whitening. This is a cosmetic dental procedure that has gained popularity in recent times for its sustainable and long-lasting results.
It can make your teeth whiter in just one session, and the intensity of whitening can be customised to your liking.
Zoom whitening is a laser-activated teeth whitening procedure that uses a special light to intensify the effects of the whitening gel for immediate and long-lasting results.
This is one of the best solutions for people who have tried other discussed methods to reverse stained teeth but have failed.
Veneers
Anyone who has tried teeth whitening solutions and did not get the expected results can opt for veneers. They are suitable for intrinsic stained teeth like enamel erosion, trauma, and cavities or for structural tooth issues like chipped, cracked, or uneven teeth that need shaping.
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells made of porcelain or resin that are bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance.
It is well-known for its long-lasting nature and near-perfect results that mimic the natural movements of your teeth, making it feel completely a part of your teeth.
Always Start Early
Anyone trying to understand how to get rid of stains on teeth should keep in mind that discolourations are easy to correct at the early or onset of changes. With time the intensity of the stain can grow, making it difficult to reverse it.
Always start by correcting your oral hygiene practices, diet, and lifestyle. If you feel they don’t make much of a difference, seek professional help.
Our dentists at the Invisalign Center believe there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to dentistry. We take the time to carefully assess your teeth, oral health, and aesthetic concerns before suggesting an effective solution.
For more details on our services targeting teeth stains, contact us, and let us help you achieve your dream smile.
