How do dentists treat discolored teeth?
Dentists use different tooth discoloration treatments depending on the underlying cause and whether the stains affect the outer or inner layers of your teeth.
Teeth whitening
Dentists may offer in-office or at-home professional teeth whitening treatments. These methods use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to break up stains and lift them from your teeth. Professional whitening works best on surface (extrinsic) stains. But some whitening products can remove deep dental (intrinsic) stains, too.
In-office bleaching takes about one hour to complete. Most take-home whitening treatments require 30- to 60-minute daily treatments for up to six weeks. There are pros and cons to each. Ask your dentist which option is right for you.
Dental bonding
If you have deep tooth discoloration that doesn’t improve with whitening, your dentist may recommend dental bonding. This procedure involves applying tooth-colored composite resin to conceal discolored teeth.
Bonding is much more affordable compared to other options (like porcelain veneers), but you’ll probably need touch-ups every five to seven years. Dental bonding might not be the best option if you have several discolored teeth.
Porcelain veneers
If you have widespread tooth discoloration that doesn’t improve with whitening, you may want to consider porcelain veneers. These tooth-colored ceramic shells are thin, yet strong. A dentist permanently bonds (glues) them to the front surfaces of your teeth to camouflage discoloration or other cosmetic flaws like chipping or misshapen teeth.
A dentist has to replace porcelain veneers every five to 15 years. Veneers aren’t reversible.
Dental crowns
Sometimes tooth discoloration is a symptom of cavities. If you have weakened or decayed teeth in addition to discoloration, your dentist may recommend dental crowns.
A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over your tooth, protecting it from further damage. Dental crowns help improve the health and function of your teeth as well as their appearance.
How can I fix discolored teeth at home?
You can find over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening treatments in any oral health aisle. These products include rinses, pastes, strips and do-it-yourself bleaching trays.
While some over-the-counter products are safe and effective, others can damage your enamel and make your teeth more vulnerable to cavities and erosion. That’s why it’s important to talk to your dentist before making a purchase.
In general, ingredients to avoid include:
- Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).
- Activated charcoal.
- Citric acid.
When shopping for teeth whitening products, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This means that experts have tested the safety and effectiveness of these products and deemed them safe for use.
Can I prevent tooth discoloration?
While you can’t prevent deep dental stains due to trauma, medications or health conditions, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of everyday surface discoloration:
- Brush your teeth two to three times a day using a soft-bristled brush and ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss between your teeth once a day.
- Limit foods and drinks that stain teeth, like tea, coffee, cola and red wine.
- Drink lots of water and rinse your mouth after drinking beverages that could cause tooth discoloration.
- Quit smoking.
- Visit your dentist for routine cleanings and exams.
FAQs
Dentists may offer in-office or at-home professional teeth whitening treatments. These methods use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to break up stains and lift them from your teeth. Professional whitening works best on surface (extrinsic) stains.
How to fix one discolored tooth at home? ›
The patient should use 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) gel nightly for one – four weeks on the discoloured tooth. A reassessment with the dentist should be planned of the tooth colour.
How do you treat tooth discoloration? ›
Nonvital bleaching is indicated for the treatment of teeth with discoloration secondary to pulpal degeneration. This technique involves placing a mixture of 30% hydrogen peroxide and sodium perborate into the pulp chamber for as long as 1 week. For nonvital bleaching, a tooth with an unrestored crown is ideal.
How do you treat stained teeth at home? ›
Therefore, it is better to try a few natural home remedies for teeth whitening. Fruits such as pineapple, papaya, strawberries and banana peel might help whiten teeth naturally. Baking soda, activated charcoal, coconut, sunflower, sesame oil, and dairy products are some other kitchen ingredients.
Can tooth discoloration be reversed? ›
We can correct deep tooth staining and discoloration, but it is a lengthy process. Unfortunately, once staining has reached interior enamel, it is much more difficult to reverse. This is different from surface stains, which your dentist can treat with teeth whitening in two visits.
How to lighten one dark tooth? ›
treatment options may include single crowns, veneers, bonding, or bleaching. Bleaching is the most conservative option to consider, but the potential for a successful outcome varies based on the cause and extent of the discoloration.
How do you hide a Discoloured tooth? ›
Porcelain veneers
These tooth-colored ceramic shells are thin, yet strong. A dentist permanently bonds (glues) them to the front surfaces of your teeth to camouflage discoloration or other cosmetic flaws like chipping or misshapen teeth. A dentist has to replace porcelain veneers every five to 15 years.
Can a Discoloured tooth heal? ›
In some cases, the tooth will heal itself; however, it is common for the tooth to remain discolored or even die. Depending on the type of damage, treatment may involve a root canal to remove the dead tissue and bleaching or cosmetic restorations to improve the color of the tooth.
How long does tooth discoloration last? ›
The teeth also bleed internally like any other part of the body. Blood will leak through the dental nerves and cause discoloration of tooth pulp. Darkening of the tooth will continue over several days, weeks or even months if not checked.
Can tooth discoloration be temporary? ›
The discoloration can be either temporary or permanent. It may also appear on many teeth or only one area. Your genes affect your tooth color.
Toothpaste brands such as Crest3D and Colgate Max White are exceptionally good at removing stains that are not too deep. The brushing technique matters and the proven way is to brush up and down as well as with a sideways motion.
How to whiten teeth in 2 minutes? ›
Baking-powder eliminates stains on the surface of your teeth and lemon juice as we already said has multiple components that lighten teeth. Just mix a teaspoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth with the paste this mixture will work wonders in just two minutes.
How can I Unstain my teeth naturally? ›
For your benefit, we've provided you with seven different ways to naturally whiten your teeth.
- Eat Strawberries. ...
- Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables. ...
- Brush After You Eat or Drink. ...
- Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
- Apply Coconut Oil. ...
- Brush Your Tongue. ...
- Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide.
How to Fix Discolored Teeth
- Professional Teeth Whitening. Professional teeth whitening is much preferred over over the counter whitening products. ...
- Porcelain Veneers. ...
- Dental Bonding. ...
- Cosmetic Dentistry in Laurel, Maryland.
If there are no other signs of injury, damage, or infection, Dr. Alex will typically recommend that you simply leave the tooth alone. Over time, the blood supply will return to normal, and the grayish, purplish discoloration of the tooth will go away.
Why is one tooth discolored? ›
If only one tooth is discolored, it may be due to a cavity or an injury to the inside of your tooth. The sooner these types of issues get treated by your dentist, the better the outcome will likely be. To keep your teeth in good health, see your dentist twice a year for routine exams.
Can a discolored tooth be saved? ›
In some cases, the tooth will heal itself; however, it is common for the tooth to remain discolored or even die. Depending on the type of damage, treatment may involve a root canal to remove the dead tissue and bleaching or cosmetic restorations to improve the color of the tooth.
How to whiten a single yellow tooth? ›
In-Office Whitening Treatments
In-office whitening usually takes around an hour to complete. It's more expensive than OTC whitening, but it produces more dramatic results. These treatments can also be targeted to specific teeth, making it easier to whiten your single yellow tooth without bleaching the rest.
How to fix a dead tooth color? ›
Because the discoloration is inside the dead tooth's enamel, it will take a more involved process to get the results you want. Whitening treatments for dead teeth often involve the use of professional-strength bleaches or drilling a small hole into the back of the tooth to insert a whitening agent.
Why is only one of my teeth discolored? ›
If only one tooth is discolored, it may be due to a cavity or an injury to the inside of your tooth. The sooner these types of issues get treated by your dentist, the better the outcome will likely be. To keep your teeth in good health, see your dentist twice a year for routine exams.
