Dentists have a variety of methods and tools they can use to remove stains from teeth. The type of stain and how severe it is will determine the best approach. Common stains that dentists treat include coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, and tartar buildup. With the right techniques and products, dentists can significantly brighten teeth and improve their appearance.
Causes of Tooth Staining
Tooth staining occurs for several reasons:
- Food and drinks – Coffee, tea, red wine, and colas can all cause tooth staining due to compounds they contain like tannins.
- Tobacco use – Tobacco smoke contains many chemicals that can discolor teeth.
- Poor oral hygiene – Allowing plaque buildup can cause tartar, which leads to yellowing.
- Age – Over time, enamel thins and the inner dentin layer shows through more, giving a yellowish hue.
- Medications – Some prescription medicines like tetracycline can cause tooth discoloration.
- Genetics – Some people naturally have thinner enamel or smaller enamel crystals that make teeth appear more yellow.
- Trauma – An injury that damages the inner pulp layer can interfere with normal tooth shade.
When the outer enamel layer becomes stained, the teeth appear discolored. Some stains penetrate deeper within the tooth structure. The longer stains remain on the teeth, the more difficult they can be to remove.
Cleaning Methods Used by Dentists
Dentists have access to specialized tools and materials to remove all types of stains from tooth surfaces. Common cleaning methods include:
- Professional teeth cleaning – Regular cleanings at the dentist include scaling and polishing to remove tartar, plaque, and surface stains.
- Air polishing – This uses a pressurized air stream with abrasive particles to blast away stains.
- Ultrasonic cleaning – Vibrating high frequency sound waves help loosen stains.
- Laser teeth whitening – A hydrogen peroxide gel is applied and then activated by laser light to lift deep stains.
- Whitening toothpastes – Dentists may recommend special toothpastes with polishing agents to gently scrub away stains over time.
- Whitening strips and trays – Custom fitted trays are filled with peroxide gel and worn for 1-2 hours daily.
Professional Teeth Cleaning
The most basic way dentists remove light stains is with a professional teeth cleaning. Patients are recommended to get a cleaning every 6 months. It involves:
- Scaling – Using metal dental tools to scrape away built-up tartar and plaque from tooth surfaces and under the gumline.
- Polishing – A rubber cup with a polishing paste is used to buff stains off enamel. This leaves teeth feeling very smooth.
A standard cleaning can remove many surface stains caused by foods, drinks and tobacco. It may take multiple visits to fully brighten teeth again. However, deeper set intrinsic stains may require other methods.
Air Polishing
Air polishing is also called power polishing or air abrasion. This technique uses a specialized nozzle that sprays a stream of compressed air mixed with water and abrasive powder. Common abrasive particles include sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), aluminum trihydroxide, aluminum oxide (alumina), or calcium carbonate. The powder helps blast away stubborn staining on the teeth.
Some key benefits of air polishing include:
- More effective stain removal compared to regular polishing.
- Removes stains not just on the surface but also within grooves, pits and fissures.
- Can be used to clean between teeth and just below the gumline.
- Less heat and vibration than conventional polishing tools.
This method works well for coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco and plaque stains. It can remove staining in less time compared to other methods. However, air polishing does not whiten internally or address causes of discoloration.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
Ultrasonic cleaning utilizes high frequency vibrations to create millions of microscopic bubbles in water. When the ultrasonic tip is placed in contact with the teeth, the bubbles implode which creates pressure waves against tooth surfaces. This helps loosen staining deposits and plaque buildup.
Some advantages of ultrasonic teeth cleaning include:
- Effective at removing tartar, pigmented plaque and brown surface stains.
- Reaches difficult areas like behind molars, around dental work and between teeth.
- Does not damage tooth enamel or existing dental restorations.
- Typically causes less discomfort compared to scraping tools.
Ultrasonic cleaning is often performed along with other whitening treatments. It helps boost results by thoroughly preparing the teeth first.
Laser Teeth Whitening
Laser teeth whitening performed at the dentist’s office can lighten tooth shades by up to eight shades in one visit. First, a rubber dam is placed over the teeth to protect gums. Then, a hydrogen peroxide-based whitening gel is painted directly on the teeth. Next, a specialized laser light is shined on the teeth to accelerate the whitening chemical reaction.
Laser energy helps drive the peroxide deep within tooth pores to lift out intrinsic stains and bleach discoloration. A complete treatment takes about one hour. Laser whitening can remove stubborn discoloration caused by:
- Coffee, tea and red wine
- Tobacco smoking and chewing
- Tetracycline antibiotics
- Root canal treatment
- Dental fluorosis
- Genetics
- Aging
Results can last 1-3 years with proper home care. Touch-up sessions may be needed to maintain brightening over time.
Whitening Toothpastes
Many general dentists recommend patients use a toothpaste designed specifically for whitening at home. These contain mild abrasives such as silica or calcium carbonate to gently scrub away surface stains each time you brush.
Common active ingredients in whitening toothpastes include:
- Hydrogen peroxide – Bleaches teeth
- Sodium hexametaphosphate – Helps break up staining compounds
- Sodium tripolyphosphate – Loosens pigmented plaque
Using a whitening toothpaste twice per day can make a noticeable difference over time. However, dramatic shade changes will require other methods done at the dentist’s office.
Whitening Strips and Custom Trays
Dentists may provide patients with take-home whitening kits including strips, gels and custom fitted trays. These are designed to gradually lighten teeth over a period of days or weeks.
Whitening strips are coated with a peroxide gel that adheres to the teeth. They are worn for 30 minutes to one hour at a time. Trays are filled with peroxide gel and worn for 1-2 hours daily or while sleeping.
Tray-based systems mold to the teeth and hold the whitening agent against the enamel longer. This provides better effectiveness than strips alone. However, strips are advantageous for their simplicity of use.
Professional kits purchased through the dentist typically contain higher peroxide concentrations than over-the-counter products. This enables them to produce greater whitening levels while remaining safe on enamel when properly supervised.
When to See a Dentist
It’s a good idea to visit your dentist if you notice pronounced staining or discoloration developing. A dental exam can help determine the cause and the best treatment approach. Be sure to see a dentist if you experience:
- Sudden unexplained color changes
- White, brown or black spots appearing on your teeth
- Color changes along the gumline
- One tooth changing color compared to surrounding teeth
Significant color changes may indicate decay, infection, nerve damage or other dental issues needing prompt treatment. Catching problems early improves the chances of saving affected teeth.
Home Whitening Methods to Avoid
It’s tempting to try home recipes and DIY whitening techniques found online. However, these trendy tricks can often damage your teeth and gums:
- Lemon or Lime Juice – Acid eats away enamel leading to decay
- Vinegar – Contains acetic acid that erodes tooth enamel
- Baking Soda – Too abrasive and wears down enamel over time
- Hydrogen Peroxide – High concentrations burn and irritate oral tissue
- Charcoal – Abrasive particles scratch enamel surfaces
- Fruit Peels – Citric acid damages enamel like lemon juice
Always consult your dentist before trying any beauty trick or hack to whiten your teeth at home. There are safe, effective whitening kits available that won’t jeopardize your oral health.
Preventing Future Stains
After investing time and money into professionally whitening your teeth, you’ll want to keep them looking bright. Here are some tips to prevent new stains from forming:
- Brush with a whitening toothpaste twice per day and floss daily
- Avoid dark colored foods and beverages that can stain teeth
- Drink dark liquids with a straw to bypass teeth
- Rinse or swish with water after consuming staining foods and drinks
- Quit smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco
- Get dental cleanings and exams every six months
- Use teeth whitening touch-up products as recommended by your dentist
Conclusion
Dentists have many techniques they can use to effectively remove stains from tooth enamel. Procedures done at the dental office like air polishing, laser whitening and ultrasonic cleaning can produce dramatic results, often in a single visit. Maintaining results involves diligent oral hygiene and avoiding stain-causing substances.
Consult with your dentist to design a teeth whitening plan that fits your specific needs and budget. With the right dental expertise combined with careful at-home care, you can enjoy noticeably brighter and whiter teeth.