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Remove stubborn stains and prevent them from coming back
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If you have brown or yellow stains on your teeth, you probably know that it can put a damper on your beautiful and brilliant smile. While no one naturally has perfectly white teeth, it can give you a self-esteem boost to remove the staining off of yours so that you can smile confidently again! Since there are so many different types of teeth whitening products out there, we partnered with Jemz Smile to help you figure out which option is right for you. Read below for your complete guide to tooth stains and how to remove them.
Removing Stains from Teeth: Quick Tips
To remove surface stains from your teeth, try an over-the-counter teeth whitening product like whitening toothpaste, tooth whitening strips, or Jemz Smile’s chewable teeth whitening lozenges . If your teeth become sensitive or your stains are too stubborn, consult with a dentist for a professional stain removal plan.
Steps
Section 1 of 6:
How to Remove Tooth Stains
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Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash Whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes can be swapped out for your normal products and feature a special formulation that’s designed to lift stains from your teeth. These products generally use abrasives to gently scrub stains from the surface of your tooth, but some also include bleaching agents for removing deep-set stains. [1] X Trustworthy Source American Dental Association World's largest dental professional organization and advocate for proper oral health Go to source
- Over-the-counter whitening toothpaste and mouthwashes work gradually. They’re meant to slowly lift stains off your teeth after repeated daily use.
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Chewable tooth whitening lozenge Chewable teeth whitening lozenges are innovative products that allow you to easily remove stains from your teeth. The Jemz Smile teeth whitening chewable lozenges contain both peroxide and baking soda to whiten your teeth without any risk of sensitivity or having to deal with messy solutions like gels or strips.
- To use the product, simply remove the whitener and activation pieces from the packaging and chew them simultaneously.
- Keep chewing the stain-removal lozenges for 15-30 minutes, then spit it out and enjoy your immediately brightened teeth. It’s safe to repeat these steps and use the products on a daily basis.
- Not only do these easy-to-use tooth-whitening chewable lozenges work instantly to whiten teeth, but they’re also formulated to freshen up your breath and promote healthy gums.
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Tooth whitening strips As one of the most popular at-home methods for removing tooth stains, tooth whitening strips use strips of pre-applied whitening gel to easily apply the product to your teeth. To use these strips, you simply stick them onto your teeth and follow package instructions to know how long to leave them. [2] X Research source
- As the strips sit on your teeth, the gel will work to bleach out any stains and whiten the overall look of your teeth.
- Be mindful that whitening strips can cause tooth sensitivity, so it’s best to discuss treatment with your dentist before using the strips.
- Also, be careful to follow package directions exactly and avoid applying the strips over your gum line, which may cause irritation.
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Whitening pens Whitening pens are an easy-to-use and effective solution for people on the go. The whitening pen contains a bleaching gel that you brush onto your teeth in a thin layer, giving you a lot more control and precision over where the gel ends up. Therefore, it can be easier to avoid sensitive gum tissue or any potentially sensitive teeth. [3] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Plus, whitening pens can fit in a pocket, purse, or backpack, making them a good option for people who always want their whitening solution on hand.
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Tooth whitening gels and trays Tooth whitening gels contain bleaching agents with a peroxide-based formula. To use these gels, you fill a mouth-shaped tray with the product and then place it over your teeth—being cautious to avoid contact between the gel and your gum tissue. [4] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- This method for removing tooth stains is considered more effective than whitening toothpaste because the gel contains higher amounts of peroxide.
- Some tooth whitening kits also come with LED light devices to intensify the whitening effect on your teeth.
- Tooth whitening gels can be bought over-the-counter, but you can also ask your dentist if they offer services to create a custom tray that’s fitted to your teeth. Custom trays are thought to be more effective and safer since they fit your teeth exactly and better protect your sensitive gums.
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Professional whitening services If you’re worried about tooth sensitivity or your stains aren’t budging with over-the-counter options, it may be time to talk to your dentist about professional in-office teeth whitening. A dentist’s office is more equipped to remove deep stains from your teeth, using stronger products and more advanced technology than you can use at home. Plus, you don’t have to worry about harming your gums or teeth with the help of a professional. [5] X Research source
- However, whitening discolored teeth at the dentist can be more expensive than over-the-counter or at-home remedies. Talk to your regular dentist first, and then check with local dentistry schools and low-cost dental clinics to see if they offer well-reviewed whitening services.
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Section 2 of 6:
Natural Remedies for Removing Tooth Stains
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Brush and floss your teeth at least two times a day. Your first step should always be to regularly brush and floss your teeth, especially after consuming foods and drinks that may leave stains behind. Brush your teeth for two minutes at least two times a day, and floss between your teeth at least once a day. Brush gently in a circular motion to help protect your gums, and be sure to brush the inside, outside, and chewing surfaces of your teeth. [6] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
- Many dentists advocate for using electric toothbrushes, as they’ve been shown in some studies to be more effective in removing surface stains and plaque.
- While there are several home remedies and DIY treatments that we’ll share to whiten your teeth, many of them have not been proven as effective by medical research. The best method is always to take good care of your teeth on a regular basis.
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Use a homemade toothpaste with 1:2 parts baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Mix 1 tablespoon (17 g) baking soda with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Use this paste in place of your normal toothpaste when brushing your teeth, then rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
- Alternatively, you can make a mouthwash with the same ratio of ingredients or by substituting hydrogen peroxide with water.
- A 2012 study found that whitening teeth with baking soda and peroxide was effective in getting rid of tooth stains. [7] X Research source Additionally, a 2017 study deemed these treatments to be effective and safe for daily use. [8] X Research source
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Swish 1–2 tsp (4.9–9.9 mL) liquid coconut oil in your mouth for 10-30 minutes. Known as coconut oil pulling, this method is thought to remove plaque and bacteria from the mouth, whitening the teeth as a result. Look for high-quality, organic coconut oil and place 1–2 tsp (4.9–9.9 mL) in your mouth. Swish it around for 10-30 minutes, being careful not to let it touch the back of your throat or swallow it. [9] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- After 10-30 minutes, spit the oil into a toilet or trash can. Rinse your mouth out with water and then drink a full glass of water before brushing your teeth as normal.
- While there’s no current research to prove the effects of coconut oil pulling on teeth, a 2015 study showed that oil pulling with sesame and sunflower oils is effective in reducing gingivitis.
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Use a mouthwash with 2 tsp (9.9 mL) apple cider vinegar and 6 fl oz (180 mL) water. Mix 2 tsp (9.9 mL) apple cider vinegar and 6 fl oz (180 mL) water together, then swish the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds. Rinse your mouth out with water and brush your teeth as normal.
- A 2014 study showed that apple cider vinegar had a bleaching effect on cow’s teeth. However, apple cider vinegar may cause damage to the hardness and surface structure of the teeth, so avoid using it on a regular basis until research is completed on human teeth. [10] X Research source
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Rub lemon, orange, or banana peels onto your teeth for two minutes. Some people believe that rubbing citrus or banana peels onto your teeth will whiten them because they often contain the compound d-limonene or citric acid. [11] X Research source To try this method, rub the fruit peels onto your teeth for about two minutes, then thoroughly rinse out your mouth and brush your teeth as usual.
- There is no scientific research to support the effectiveness of fruit peels in removing stains from teeth. A 2017 study had varying results in the use of orange peel as a teeth whitener.
- However, be cautious with this method as the fruit is acidic and may erode your enamel. If you attempt this method and notice your teeth becoming more sensitive, stop immediately.
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Brush your teeth with activated charcoal. Buy a toothpaste that contains activated charcoal and use it as normal, or purchase a bottle of activated charcoal capsules. Open a capsule of activated charcoal and empty the contents onto your toothbrush, then gently brush your teeth for two minutes. Spit out the charcoal into a nearby sink and rinse your mouth thoroughly.
- If your teeth are sensitive, dab the activated charcoal onto your teeth and let it sit for two minutes without brushing. Rinse the charcoal out, and then brush your teeth.
- Alternatively, you can make an activated charcoal mouthwash by mixing the charcoal with a small amount of water. Swish the mouthwash solution for 2 minutes, then spit it out and rinse your mouth thoroughly.
- There is a lack of evidence to show that activated charcoal is effective for teeth whitening. A 2019 study found it to be effective but not as effective as other whitening toothpaste.
- Other research, however, warns against the use of activated charcoal as it can be abrasive on teeth and even lead to a loss of tooth structure, actually increasing the yellow look of your teeth. [12] X Research source
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Eat fruits and vegetables with a high water content. Chew on water-rich fruits and veggies at the end of a meal, such as cucumbers, melons, strawberries, celery, tomatoes, and spinach. Eating these hydrating foods can increase saliva production and help to wash away any harmful acids. [13] X Research source
- While it’s almost never a bad idea to eat more fruits and veggies, there’s no scientific evidence that doing so will help remove stains from your teeth.
- Some studies have shown that certain fruit enzymes help with stain removal, but further research is needed to solidify these findings.
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Tips
- If you have tooth decay or trauma, talk to a dentist as soon as possible to get treatment and minimize the chances of permanent discoloration. Your dentist may offer alternative options like veneers or crowns to conceal the staining after treatment.Thanks
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Warnings
- Be aware that some teeth-whitening products, including those with active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, may cause teeth sensitivity. It’s always best to discuss your tooth staining and overall health with a dentist before beginning a new treatment.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.ada.org/en/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/whitening
- ↑ https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/all-topics-a-z/teeth-whitening
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10812912/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4058574/
- ↑ https://www.yourdentistryguide.com/inoffice-vs-athome/
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/whats-the-right-way-to-brush-your-teeth-202211232854
- ↑ https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(17)30811-5/fulltext
- ↑ https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(17)30811-5/fulltext
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-oil-pulling-your-best-choice-for-dental-health
- ↑ https://www.pronamel.us/amp/is-apple-cider-vinegar-healthy.html
- ↑ https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/4R_-1-methyl-4-prop-1-en-2-ylcyclohexene#section=Household-Products
- ↑ https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(17)30412-9/fulltext
- ↑ https://dentistry.uic.edu/news-stories/the-best-foods-for-a-healthy-smile-and-whole-body/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10958-tooth-discoloration
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10958-tooth-discoloration
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10958-tooth-discoloration
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10958-tooth-discoloration
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10958-tooth-discoloration#care-and-treatment
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10958-tooth-discoloration#care-and-treatment
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