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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).
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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.
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".
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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- Which groups of drugs cause tooth discoloration? An updated review. (2014).
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- toothbrush image by Christopher Hall from Fotolia.com