Sometimes you’ll notice looking in the mirror your teeth are stained or darkened. It might affect the whole tooth or look like lines or spots on the tooth’s surface. There are two basic types of tooth discoloration:

  • Internal, discoloration happens inside the tooth. Things that can cause this type of discoloration include aging ,tooth injuries, some health conditions, and certain medications.
  • External, discoloration happens when substances like foods, beverages, or tobacco stain the tooth’s surface. Poor oral hygiene can also cause it.

What can you do?

Natural Teeth Whitening

The first step toward whiter teeth is to practice good oral hygiene at home. Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste or toothpaste with baking soda twice a day, floss at least once a day, and drink fluoridated water.

At-Home Teeth Whitening

There are many choices for whitening teeth at home. Some common methods include:

  • Tooth whitening strips and gels. Applied directly to the teeth with a brush or a thin strip, these peroxide-based tooth bleaching products usually need to be applied once or twice a day for 10 to 14 days. They can lighten your teeth by a shade or two. Results last four or more months. Products may cost from $10 to $55.
  • Tray-based tooth bleaching systems. With this teeth whitening option, a mouth guard-like tray is filled with a peroxide-based bleaching gel or paste and placed over the teeth for one to several hours a day for up to 4 weeks. You can buy tray-based tooth whitening systems over the counter or have one custom-fitted by your dentist. The cost can range from $150 to $600.
  • Tooth whitening toothpastes. Because they’re mildly abrasive, every toothpaste helps remove stains from teeth. But whitening toothpastes also contain chemicals or polishing agents that help scrub stains without the aid of a bleaching agent. Tooth-whitening toothpastes are relatively inexpensive and brighten teeth by about one shade. Some contain peroxides, but they aren’t left on the teeth long enough to have a strong whitening benefit.
  • Whitening rinses. Rinse your teeth for 60 seconds twice a day with these products, which contain hydrogen peroxide, to make your teeth look slightly whiter.

Cosmetic dental services

Dental procedures such as crowns and veneers are designed to adjust the color, shape and symmetry of your teeth, and improve the appearance of your smile overall.

Contact our office if you have any questions on how to whiten, brighten or change your smile !