Two Types Of Dental Staining And How To Lighten Them

Are you concerned about the color of your teeth? Do you wonder whether or not other people are noticing your dental staining? Regardless of the type of discoloration that you have, there is a teeth-whitening solution for you. Here are two different types of dental discoloration and the suitable whitening applications to remedy them:

Light Staining

Light staining often occurs from the food or drink that you regularly ingest. Over time, the pigments from darkly colored foods, such as raspberries or chocolate, are absorbed by the tooth enamel. These stains can be bleached or scrubbed away using the following methods:

Natural Whitening

For light staining, natural whitening may suffice. Natural whiteners help remove minor stains and don't ignite dental sensitivity. Here are a few substances that can be used to naturally brighten your teeth:

Peroxide and Baking Soda

Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that is available over-the-counter as a three-percent solution. Baking soda is an alkaline powder with an abrasive texture that can be used to polish stains from the teeth.

To use this brightening combination, mix the two ingredients together to form a paste and apply it to your teeth using a toothbrush. Brush in your normal manner, being careful not to apply undue pressure. Even though baking soda is only mildly abrasive, brushing too harshly with it can start to wear away your tooth enamel.

Coconut Oil

For light oil-based stains, you can brush with coconut oil. The oil is a solid at room temperature and can be applied to your toothbrush like commercial toothpaste. As you brush, the oil will melt in your mouth from your body heat, but its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties remain intact. In addition, since the oil becomes a liquid, it can more easily reach deeply into the pores of your teeth to help dilute and remove stains.

Home Whitening Kits

Whitening kits that can be purchased at the local drug store without a prescription can also help remove light staining. These kits usually contain a peroxide-based gel that is applied to the teeth on a strip or using a mouth piece. If you choose a home kit, be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging. Dental sensitivity can result from overuse or abuse of commercial whitening products.

Deep Staining

Deeper, darker staining are often associated with aging, regular coffee or tea consumption or chronic smoking. This type of staining often responds well to a professional bleaching application performed by a dental professional. Professional bleaching uses a more concentrated form of whitening gel coupled with a special ultraviolet light that further brightens the teeth.

If you are concerned about the color of your teeth, contact a dentist in your area to learn the best whitening options for you.

For a dentist in your area, contact a company such as Fresh Wave Dental Care PC.