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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- Dental caries (tooth decay) in adults (age 20 to 64). (2014).
- Dental enamel defects and celiac disease. (2014).
- Dentinogenesis imperfecta. (2017).
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
How to Get Rid of Brown Spots on Teeth
Brown stains on your teeth are normally a result of coffee and cola consumption. Over time these beverages stain the teeth on the surface and these stains can enter cracks and crevices present on the enamel of the tooth. Even some medications can stain your teeth, according to Ronald I. Maitland, D.M.D in an excerpt from the "Doctor’s Book of Home Remedies". One example of medication causing brown spots on your teeth is the antibiotic, tetracycline.
Brush your teeth after eating and drinking. According to Dr. Roger P. Levin, D.D.S., regular brushing will eliminate surface stains from your teeth. Using a whitening toothpaste may also help when applied two to three times a day for several months 12. Although it does not treat deeper staining, according to MayoClinic.com, it helps maintain whitening results from bleaching and will remove surface stains 12.
Baking Soda & Peroxide for a Teeth Whitener
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Mix together baking soda and peroxide to form a thick paste and apply to your toothbrush. Brush teeth with the paste to help polish away stains. The baking soda provides an exfoliating action as they hydrogen peroxide acts as a bleaching agent. According to Levin, be careful that you don’t use too much hydrogen peroxide as this can cause burning and irritation.
Rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash to reduce stained plaque. Stains are easily trapped in plaque and other build up that is common on your teeth. Antibacterial mouthwash will kill and remove this plaque, according to the "Doctor’s Book of Home Remedies".
Can You Whiten Teeth With Orange Peels?
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Apply a tooth whitening strip or gel tray to your teeth once weekly, leaving on for up to 30 minutes 12. These kits work by bleaching the teeth with a hydrogen peroxide based solution. According to Daily Glow, some strips require treatment twice daily for up to two weeks before results are noticeable.
Opt for an in office dental bleaching at your dentist’s office. **Professional dental whitening is longer lasting and utilizes stronger hydrogen based gel 12. The gel is applied to your teeth and then exposed to a blue light to activate the whitening process according to Daily Glow 12. You are normally given a tray with hydrogen gel to take home with your for maintenance of your brighter smile.
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References
- Decay. (n.d.).
- Dental caries (tooth decay) in adults (age 20 to 64). (2014).
- Dental enamel defects and celiac disease. (2014).
- Dental health and heart health. (2013).
- Dentinogenesis imperfecta. (2017).
- Fluorosis facts. (n.d.).
- Fontana M. (2015). QUEST Enamel hypoplasia.
- How long do crowns, veneers, bridges last? Clinical practice guidelines avoid do-overs [Video]. (n.d.).
- Kumar A, et al. (2012). Drug-induced discoloration of teeth: An updated review [Abstract]. DOI:
- Teeth: Enamel hypoplasia. (2007).
- Tooth decay. (2016).
- Tooth whitening. (n.d.).
- Veneers. (n.d.).
- Which groups of drugs cause tooth discoloration? An updated review. (2014).
- Whitening: 5 things to know about getting a brighter smile. (n.d.).
- Carey CM. Tooth whitening: what we now know. J Evid Based Dent Pract. 2014;14 Suppl:70–76. doi:10.1016/j.jebdp.2014.02.006
- Bersezio C, Martín J, Angel P, et al. Teeth whitening with 6% hydrogen peroxide and its impact on quality of life: 2 years of follow-up. Odontology. 2019;107(1):118–125. doi:10.1007/s10266-018-0372-3
- Matis BA, Matis JI, Wang Y, Monteiro S, Al-Qunaian TA, Millard R. Labeled vs actual concentration of bleaching agents. Oper Dent. 2013;38(3):334–343. doi:10.2341/11-367-L
- Féliz-Matos L, Hernández LM, Abreu N. Dental Bleaching Techniques; Hydrogen-carbamide Peroxides and Light Sources for Activation, an Update. Mini Review Article. Open Dent J. 2015;8:264–268. Published 2015 Jan 6. doi:10.2174/1874210601408010264
- Kugel G, Ferreira S. The art and science of tooth whitening. J Mass Dent Soc. 2005;53(4):34–37.
- Fiorillo L, Laino L, De Stefano R, et al. Dental Whitening Gels: Strengths and Weaknesses of an Increasingly Used Method. Gels. 2019;5(3):35. Published 2019 Jul 4. doi:10.3390/gels5030035
- Ghalili KM, Khawaled K, Rozen D, Afsahi V. Clinical study of the safety and effectiveness of a novel over-the-counter bleaching tray system. Clin Cosmet Investig Dent. 2014;6:15–19. Published 2014 Feb 21. doi:10.2147/CCIDE.S59292
- Sulieman M. An overview of bleaching techniques: 2. Night Guard Vital Bleaching and non-vital bleaching. Dent Update. 2005;32(1):39-40, 42-4, 46.
- Swift EJ Jr, Heymann HO, Wilder AD Jr, Barker ML, Gerlach RW. Effects of duration of whitening strip treatment on tooth color: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Dent. 2009;37 Suppl 1:e51–e56. doi:10.1016/j.jdent.2009.05.009
- Epple M, Meyer F, Enax J. A Critical Review of Modern Concepts for Teeth Whitening. Dent J (Basel). 2019;7(3):79. Published 2019 Aug 1. doi:10.3390/dj7030079
- Kalliath C, Mukunda A, Pynadath M, Venugopal V, Prethweeraj J. Comparison between the effect of commercially available chemical teeth whitening paste and teeth whitening paste containing ingredients of herbal origin on human enamel. Ayu. 2018;39(2):113–117. doi:10.4103/ayu.AYU_82_18
- "Tooth Whitening Treatments," American Dental Association. 18 September 2007.
Writer Bio
Sharin Griffin has been a freelance writer since 2009, specializing in health-related articles. She has worked in the health-care industry as a certified nursing assistant and medical technician. Griffin's medical expertise encompasses bariatrics and geriatric care, with an emphasis on general medicine. She is completing an associate degree in health-care administration from Axia University.