Erase Pan Stain Smiles: Teeth Cleaning Tricks

Stained teeth can be caused by a number of factors, including excessive intake of certain beverages, improper brushing, smoking, and tobacco chewing. Scaling and polishing by a dentist can help remove these stains. Additionally, there are several natural remedies that can be effective in removing tooth stains, such as maintaining a healthy dental routine, using a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice or water, brushing with sea salt, and rubbing the teeth with an orange peel.

Scaling and polishing

The Scaling Process

Scaling is the removal of plaque, mineralised plaque deposits (also referred to as calculus or tartar), debris and staining from the crown and root surfaces of the teeth. This is done using specially designed sharp dental instruments or ultrasonic scalers.

The Polishing Process

Polishing is the mechanical removal of any residual extrinsic stains and deposits, typically undertaken by using a rubber cup or bristle brush loaded with a prophylaxis paste.

Benefits of Scaling and Polishing

• Remove plaque and tartar
• Freshen your breath
• Help you avoid tooth decay
• Remove bacteria from the surface of your teeth
• Smooth teeth, making them harder for plaque to stick to
• Remove stains, leaving teeth bright and shiny

Risks of Scaling and Polishing

Brushing after smoking

Smoking can cause long-term yellowing of teeth and surface staining of teeth and existing fillings. Smokers are also at a higher risk of developing gum disease, oral thrush, and oral cancer. Brushing your teeth right after smoking can help prevent staining and quickly remove tar and chemicals that can become embedded in the enamel. Here are some tips for brushing after smoking:

• Rinse your mouth after smoking to mitigate the degree of staining.
• Brush straight after smoking to improve your breath and reduce the time that nicotine and tar sit on your teeth and gums, which can reduce staining.
• Use a medium- or soft-bristled brush with a circular brushing motion. An electric toothbrush can also be useful.
• Be sure to brush your teeth for the recommended time and frequency.
• Avoid using a hard-bristled toothbrush with very abrasive toothpaste and intensive scrubbing, as this can damage your teeth and gums.
• If you have poor dental hygiene and gum disease, brushing may have minimal effect on improving your breath.
• Visit your dentist regularly to check for stubborn stains, as the problem could be more than simple staining.

Baking soda and peroxide

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a mild abrasive that helps remove stains from the surface of your teeth. It also has natural whitening properties and can be used as a safe and effective DIY home remedy for teeth whitening. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use baking soda and peroxide to clean pan stains from your teeth:

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Soda and Peroxide Paste

In a small bowl, mix one tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide. Stir the mixture with a clean spoon until you get a thick but not gritty paste. You can also add a few drops of peppermint oil to enhance the taste and make it more pleasant.

Step 2: Apply the Paste to Your Teeth

Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, apply the paste to your teeth using small circular motions. Make sure to cover all your teeth thoroughly with the paste. Be gentle and avoid scrubbing too hard or using too much force, as this can damage your teeth and gums.

Step 3: Brush Your Teeth

Continue brushing your teeth with the paste for about two minutes. You can also use your fingertips to gently rub the paste on your teeth if you prefer. Just be sure to cover all areas of your teeth evenly.

Step 4: Rinse Your Mouth

After two minutes of brushing, spit out the paste and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water or mouthwash. Make sure to remove all the paste from your mouth and rinse your toothbrush as well.

Step 5: Repeat the Process

You can repeat this process once a week to maintain your teeth's whiteness. However, avoid overusing this method, as doing it too frequently may damage your teeth due to the abrasive nature of baking soda. It's recommended to use this method once or twice a week for the best results.

Precautions:

• Always use food-grade baking soda for teeth whitening. Avoid using baking soda meant for cleaning or deodorizing.
• Be gentle when brushing your teeth with the paste to avoid damaging your tooth enamel and gums.
• Do not swallow the paste. Spit it out and rinse your mouth thoroughly after use.
• Consult your dentist before using this method to ensure it is suitable for your dental health.
• If you experience any sensitivity or irritation, discontinue use and consult your dentist.

Mouthwash and brush

Choose the Right Mouthwash:

Select a mouthwash that contains fluoride to help prevent tooth decay. Avoid chlorhexidine mouthwash, as it is associated with tooth discoloration. You can also use antibacterial mouthwash to soak your toothbrush, but this may cause the bristles to break down faster.

Timing is Important:

Don't use mouthwash immediately after brushing your teeth, as it will wash away the concentrated fluoride from the toothpaste. Choose a different time to use mouthwash, such as after lunch. Wait for at least 30 minutes after using a fluoride mouthwash before eating or drinking.

Brushing Technique:

Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day for about 2 minutes each time. Clean all surfaces of your teeth, including the inside, outside, and chewing surfaces. Make sure to brush gently along the gum line to prevent gum recession.

Toothbrush Selection:

Use a toothbrush with a small head and a compact arrangement of long and short round-end bristles. Medium or soft bristles are generally best. If you're using an electric toothbrush, one with an oscillating or rotating head may be more effective in cleaning your teeth.

Additional Tips:

• Don't rinse your mouth with water immediately after brushing, as it dilutes the fluoride concentration.
• Floss before brushing to remove any food particles stuck between your teeth.
• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleaning.
• Avoid foods and drinks that are more likely to cause stains, such as red wine, dark-colored foods, and nicotine products.

Regular dental cleanings

During a regular dental cleaning, your dentist will remove all tartar and plaque from the teeth's surfaces. They may also polish the teeth. Regular dental cleanings are a good opportunity to ask your dentist or hygienist about your oral hygiene routine and get advice on how to improve it.

If you have gum disease, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning, also known as periodontal scaling and root planing. This is a more extensive procedure than a regular cleaning and is typically done in two appointments. Deep cleaning involves removing plaque and tartar from the root of the tooth that is below the gum line.

Frequently asked questions