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Are your pearly whites starting to run out of their glint due to yellow stains? Teeth discolouration can happen as we grow older. However, other factors can contribute to staining (e.g. drinks, common foods, cigarettes, and certain mouthwashes). There are available DIY solutions that can help you whiten your teeth, and at the same time prevent stained teeth from further discolouration. 

When using home whitening products, be extra careful. When products are incorrectly used or are used excessively, it can damage your teeth. They can eat away your tooth’s enamel, which later leads to sensitivity and cavities. Select a few treatments that are suitable for you, and use them alternately. Check out some of the suggestions below that are proven to be effective: 

A Combination of Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda 

Combining hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can get rid of plaque build-up and bacteria, which effectively removes teeth stains. Simply mix 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and 1 tablespoon of baking soda to form a paste. After brushing your teeth using this paste, make sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly. 

Using the same ratio of ingredients and adding 1 to 2 parts water (to the hydrogen peroxide), you can also produce a mouthwash. Both baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are available online and in the supermarket. 

Don’t Forget Your Calcium Intake 

There are instances when tooth stain is due to the enamel eroding, exposing the dentin underneath the enamel. You can then see a brownish or yellowish discolouration. That’s why it’s important to add calcium to your regular diet as it helps keep your teeth from wearing away. Consume calcium-rich foods, such as milk and other dairy products. 

Using Activated Charcoal 

Activated charcoal is also great in removing teeth stains because it is believed to be highly absorbent. It can also get rid of toxins and bacteria in your mouth. Charcoal-activated toothpaste is already available in the market. Before using activated charcoal, it’s best to consult with your dentist first. 

Kits for Tooth-Whitening 

If you have coffee-stained teeth, tooth-whitening kits can help. These contain carbamide peroxide — an agent composed of hydrogen peroxide and urea that can eliminate surface and deep stains. Some kits contain a peroxide-based gel that you can apply to the teeth, others are in a tray that moulds to your teeth.

Whitening Strips

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Tooth-whitening strips are extremely thin and are often coated with a whitening peroxide-based gel. They are effective in getting rid of tooth discolouration. What you need to do is just wear them for a couple of minutes everyday for about a week or two. You can see results within a few days, and it can last up to 6 months. Although the result isn’t as dramatic compared to whitening kits, strips are more convenient to use and still effective. 

Whitening Mouthwash and Toothpaste 

One of the easiest ways to whiten your teeth is using OTC (over-the-counter) mouthwashes, toothpaste, and gels. Most of these whitening products have mild glossing agents, and they don’t alter the natural colour of the teeth, unlike bleaches. Usually, dentists will recommend you to some whitening toothpaste, mouthwashes, and other teeth whitening products. Visit your dentist’s website and check if these products are available. 

Teeth Stain Prevention 

Avoid foods and drinks that can discolour your pearly whites. The outer layer of the tooth’s enamel erodes as we age. The inner layer of your tooth, which is called dentin, is more yellowish. What you may perceive as yellow stain may already be dentin. This is the reason you should avoid staining your teeth, because yellowing could be an indicator. Plus, staining your teeth after your teeth whitening treatment is a waste of effort and investment. Your whitening result will most likely last up to 1 year if you are mindful enough with your diet. 

Regular Dental Maintenance 

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Brushing your teeth is a very simple task, yet it’s highly important and effective in maintaining the whiteness of your teeth. Brush at least 2x a day because it helps prevent yellow stains and discolouration, especially along the gum line. Use either sonic or electric toothbrushes, they are proven to remove surface stains and plaque, so they are superior compared to the regular ones. One more thing, don’t forget to floss after and gargle with an antibacterial mouthwash. 

Our teeth will tend to become yellowish as we get older, but maintaining good oral hygiene and having regular dental checkups are big factors to keeping your teeth from staining. These remedies can help you whiten your teeth at home. Visit emergency dentists in Sarnia in case you’re skeptical about DIY whitening products, or you have any teeth whitening concerns. You can check these dentists online too; simply click on the link to visit their website.