Stained Teeth

Pick up any magazine and flip through page after page of models with dazzling white teeth. That’s enough to make anyone feel insecure about their pearly whites. While dental treatments to obtain a sparkling smile are available, they are very expensive. Here are some home tips to whiten up your stained teeth.

There are certain foods and beverages that are notorious for causing stained teeth. The first step in obtaining a whiter smile is to avoid these as much as possible. Spicy foods can stain teeth. Candies and sweets can stick to the teeth making cleaning difficult and promoting tooth decay that can contribute to stained teeth. Red wine and certain antibiotics can also stain the teeth. The worst culprits, though, are coffee, tea, colas, and tobacco. If you absolutely must have your daily coffee and cigarettes, at least brush your teeth immediately afterwards.

To whiten already stained teeth, try brushing with baking soda. You can use it by itself or mix it with your regular toothpaste. Be careful though! Baking soda is an abrasive and using it too often will damage the enamel on your teeth. Once a week should be sufficient.

A safe, non abrasive tooth whitener is clove oil. Put a drop on your toothpaste and brush as usual. This can be used every time you brush with no fear of damaging your teeth. Just make sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly after brushing.

For very badly stained teeth, you should consult with your dentist. It’s a good idea in any case to see your dentist twice a year for a professional cleaning.