“A smile is happiness you’ll find right under your nose,” says Tom Wilson. But what if you struggle with a less-than-brilliantly-white smile? It can be difficult to keep smiling when you’re self-conscious about the color of your teeth. Tooth discoloration can be caused by many different factors and is common as we age…but not to worry! There are plenty of options to make your teeth whiter, from at-home regimens to professional whitening treatments.

Prevent Further Damage

Be sure you are brushing your teeth properly. Tooth enamel is made of different layers, with the top layer being the lightest in color. Brushing too hard can wear away at the enamel, causing gradual tooth discoloration as the lower layers are revealed. Consult your dentist about proper brushing technique and any current damage there might be to your enamel, as this can cause issues even beyond tooth discoloration.

Avoid food and drinks that may stain teeth, such as wine, berries, coffee, tea, and sodas – regular and consistent consumption can cause new stains and worsen existing surface stains.

If you currently smoke or use tobacco products, consider quitting. Tobacco is a major culprit of tooth discoloration, not to mention a risk factor in terms of disease and overall health.

Determine the Type of Discoloration

It’s difficult to treat a problem if you don’t know what it actually is. Your dentist can help determine if the dental stains are intrinsic (below the surface) or extrinsic (surface-level). Once you know the cause and type of discoloration, an appropriate remedy can be applied.

Start Whitening!

If the discoloration is mainly surface level from smoking or foods and drinks that cause stains, you may benefit from do-it-yourself remedies that could possibly whiten teeth.

• Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide – Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide. Brush teeth as you normally would with the paste, then rinse your mouth out with water thoroughly afterwards.
• Home Whitening Strips – There is no shortage of over-the-counter teeth whitening products on the market; however, it is important to note that these products often require multiple applications and may yield limited results for surface stains.

If the discoloration is a deeper, intrinsic problem, professional help from your dentist is the best solution for whiter teeth.

• Professional In-Office Whitening Treatment – Professional whitening treatments are a safe, effective way to whiten teeth up to ten shades in one session. Your dentist will ensure your gums are protected during the process, offer ways to reduce sensitivity, and clean the teeth before whitening to ensure they are prepared to receive the treatment.
• Dentist-Dispersed At-Home Whitening Kits – Dentists have access to high-quality whitening kits that can be applied at home. These treatments have higher levels of potency and will likely give you great results, if you decide that an in-office treatment is not the right option for you.

Dental discoloration can be a serious struggle, affecting everything from self-esteem to confidence to how others perceive you in the workplace.  If you’re ready for a change that will positively affect your general wellbeing and sense of self, turn that frown upside-down and take advantage of these remedies to make your smile pearly-white once again.  If you live in St. Augustine, FL or the surrounding areas, give Dental Remedies a call today to schedule a consultation with a capable, caring dental professional.