admin - February 16, 2016
Yellow teeth have always been a topic of embarrassment. It makes your smile gloomy. For having that perfect smile we all need a set of white shiny teeth. Avoiding proper oral hygiene and consuming certain foods can stain your teeth. The following steps will help you restore your sparkling smile.
1. Tooth Whitening Kits
Tooth whitening kits contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These chemicals help in removing superficial and deeper discolouration. Depending on the kit, the compounds are either in the form of gel that is put into upper and lower teeth molds or the compounds are brushed on with a toothbrush.
2. Whitening Toothpastes
The toothpaste and liquids that we use regularly remove certain stains but most of them do not contain the bleaches required to remove deep stains. They might not make your teeth shiny, so instead opt for a tooth whitening toothpaste.
3. Home Whitening Strips
Usually whitening strips contain about 5% hydrogen peroxide impregnated strip of polyethylene. People can apply this at home for few minutes a day for a week.
4. Home Remedies for Whiter Teeth
Mixing baking soda with lemon juice has been claimed by many to help whiten teeth. The flow of saliva and the scrubbing action of fruits like pears, apples and carrots also help in lightening the teeth. Sugarless gum helps in stimulating saliva to wash teeth and neutralize acids in foods.
5. Dental Work and Tooth Whitening
If you have had dental work like crowns, veneers, bonding, tooth implant or filling done, you should be extra cautious with tooth whiteners. Whiteners are useful on natural teeth and not on altered teeth. This results in having teeth of different shades which might look ugly.
6. Don’t Smoke
Tobacco is one of the worst materials which stain teeth. It discolours the teeth and makes them brownish. Products that contain tobacco can lead to many dreaded issues like cancer, gum disease etc. They also contribute to bad breath.
7. Preventing Teeth Stains
The outer layer that covers the teeth i.e. tooth enamel wears away with age. Below the enamel is dentin that is yellowish in colour. As you age, consuming foods and fluids that attack and stain enamel may cause dentin to be exposed. Avoid eating foods that stain. That is the best way to prevent the stains.
8. Medications That Can Stain Teeth
There are other compounds that can stain your teeth. Following is the list of some of these substances:
- Tetracycline
- Mouthwashes that contain cetylpyridinium chloride
- Iron-containing medications
- Excessive Fluoride
- Some antipsychotics, antihistamines and high blood pressure medications
At times the teeth are so stained that whitening methods don’t work. If your teeth do not respond to whitening, consult your dentist for other options.
9. Daily Maintenance Can Help
Practising a good oral hygiene is a must. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly will keep all dental problems at bay. Make sure you rinse your mouth thoroughly after consuming food. Select a toothbrush which is recommended by dentist.
10. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
It is essential to visit a dentist twice a year. Regular check up helps you in maintaining good oral health. Pearly white smile is a sign of good dental care.
