Advances in Dental Research and Technology Are Fascinating

From your daily cup of coffee and smoking cigarettes to the unavoidable aging process, it is easy to see the overwhelming causes of tooth staining. Not only does tooth discoloration affect the overall look of your smile, but it can also play a role in your self-esteem. Considering a healthy, bright smile increases your confidence level, ensuring your teeth are free of stains is smart. While visiting your dentist for professional cleanings and whitening treatments is the most effective way to remove this surface discoloration, removing light stains is possible at home. Using this guide on "out of the dental chair" options, you can remove stains and whiten your teeth on your own.

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling has been used for thousands of years to treat various medical conditions, but the act is growing in popularity thanks to many well-known celebrities. Fortunately, oil pulling may also be used to remove stains from the surface of your teeth while detoxifying the body from harmful bacteria. To improve your smile, complete the following steps each day:

1. Place a teaspoon of coconut oil in your mouth.
2. Swish the oil around in your mouth for 20 minutes. Use swishing motions to "pull" bacteria and toxins off your teeth and out of your body.
3. After the time, spit the oil into a trash can.
4. Rinse out your mouth with warm water before brushing your teeth as normal.

Pulling in the morning and at night will remove surface discoloration from your teeth while improving your underlying health and wellness.

Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda may be a common ingredient found in most homes, but it is also an effective option for absorbing debris and dissolving stubborn residue off your teeth. Since the baking soda creates carbonation when it encounters moisture, it begins to dissolve away the stains on your teeth without the use of harsh chemicals or involved whitening treatments.

To use, sprinkle a teaspoon of baking soda directly on your dampened toothbrush. Move the toothbrush over your teeth using circular motions. Be sure to cover your teeth in the baking soda paste. Allow it to remain in place for a few minutes. Rinse your toothbrush to remove the leftover baking soda before scrubbing your teeth a second time. Rinse out your mouth with warm water.

At-Home Whitening Kits

Your dentist may recommend a few different whitening kits to use at home. While they are recommended by your dentist, you are able to use them in the comfort of your own home. Here are a few at-home kits to consider:

• Whitening Strips – Your dentist may suggest a certain brand of whitening strips to use at home. These strips contain bleaching agents, which will whiten the stains on your teeth while improving the natural color of your surface enamel. The strips are easy to apply and only need to be worn for a few minutes to effectively improve the color of your teeth.
• Whitening Trays – Your dentist may also recommend a customized bleaching kit to use at home. After taking a detailed impression of your mouth, the dentist will send the molds to a lab where custom-fitted trays are made. At home, you will add the bleaching gel to the trays before placing in your mouth. Custom-fitted bleaching trays may cost up to $400, but they are a convenient option for removing tooth stains at home.

Stained tooth enamel may be common, but it does not have to wreak havoc on your self-esteem and quality of life. Using these unique whitening options, you can improve the color and look of your smile without sitting in your dentist's chair for the treatment.

For more information, talk to a business like TLC Dental Center.