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How Do You Fix Teeth Stains

Everyone wants to have a shiny white smile. If you are not happy with the color of your teeth, you are not alone. Several people suffer from lack of confidence due to stained teeth. Stains are caused due to a variety of reasons. This includes stain causing food and beverages like coffee, red wine, berries, tomato sauce, etc, tobacco, physical trauma, and even age. Whatever the reason, it is essential to remove teeth stains because they make your teeth prone to severe dental issues.  With several options available brightening your smile has become easier today. Here are a few ways in which you can remove teeth stains.

Whitening Products

There are several over the counter products available to whiten your teeth. Stains on the enamel that protects your teeth can be termed as extrinsic stains. Because enamel comes in contact with everything you eat and drink, it absorbs the pigment left over by these foods and beverages. Having tobacco, coffee, tea, red wine, soda, red sauce, or berries are a few of the items that cause stains. Such stains, being on the outer layer, can be treated by whitening products like whitening toothpastes or strips. These products may not be helpful in treating stains that have penetrated the enamel and gone deeper.

Home Remedies

Religiously following an oral care routine is the simplest home remedy for preventing stains and dental problems. However, there are certain home remedies to bring back your bright smile.

Lemon or Orange

Using citrus fruits that contain beneficial acids help you get rid of teeth stains. Rubbing your teeth with an orange or lemon peel on a regular basis for a few weeks helps remove the stains. Another alternative is to mix a few drops of lemon juice with some salt to make a paste. Rub the paste on your teeth and gums, and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing your mouth with water.  Doing this twice daily for about two weeks will do the trick. Make sure you do not rub the paste or peel too roughly, as the acids in these fruits can wear down your enamel.

Hydrogen Peroxide & Baking Soda

The bleaching effect of hydrogen peroxide helps in teeth whitening. You can make a mouthwash by mixing a tablespoon of baking soda, one and a half teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide with a cup of cold water. Rinse with it two or three times a day. Make sure you do not swallow it. One of the other ways is to mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide and gently brush your teeth with the paste. Later, brush your teeth with your regular toothpaste.

Dental Treatments

If you have stains that have either penetrated beyond your enamel or occur because of underlying issues, you must consider a dental checkup. Intrinsic stains refer to stains on your dentin or below your protective enamel. Certain intrinsic stains may be caused due to exposure of tetracycline antibiotics or excessive fluoride in childhood, or physical trauma to your teeth. They may also be normal stains that have gone deeper beyond your enamel. Such stains cannot be treated at home. Bonding, veneers, laser treatments, professional cleaning are a few dental treatments to whiten your teeth. It is best to get such intrinsic stains examined to prevent dental problems.

While stained teeth may not seem like a severe issue, they can lead to tooth decay or nerve damage if not treated. The cause of stains may sometimes not show early signs and the damage may already be done. Hence, it is best to consult a dentist to examine and remove teeth stains.