Erase Pan Masala Stains: Get Sparkling White Teeth

Pan masala is a popular treat in Southeast Asia, often enjoyed after meals to freshen the breath and aid digestion. However, it can leave unsightly stains on your teeth. The plant matter in pan masala contains tannins, the same compounds used to tan leather and dye fabrics. When chewed, the areca nut stimulates the salivary gland to produce excess saliva, which is then dyed by the tannins, leaving brown and red stains on your teeth. While these stains can't be removed by brushing alone, there are several treatment options available to restore your teeth to their former glory.

Baking soda

As a toothpaste additive

Add a small quantity of baking soda to your regular toothpaste and brush your teeth with the mixture. This will help prevent stains and remove lighter ones on the enamel. However, avoid using this method daily as it can erode the enamel layer from the teeth.

As a teeth-whitening paste

Mix half a teaspoon of baking soda with a little water to make a paste. Gently rub this paste onto your teeth with your finger for about five minutes. This will help restore the pearly whiteness of your teeth.

With lemon and salt

Mix a few drops of lemon with salt to make a paste. Rub this paste onto your teeth and leave it on for about 10 minutes. Rinse and brush your teeth with regular toothpaste. Regular use of this mixture will help remove pan masala stains.

With hydrogen peroxide

Make a paste by mixing baking soda with hydrogen peroxide and brush your teeth with it. This will help remove pan masala stains. Alternatively, you can also mix equal parts of water and hydrogen peroxide and use it as a mouthwash 2-3 times a day.

It is important to note that while baking soda is a relatively mild remedy, it should be used regularly to prevent the formation of stains and to effectively remove lighter ones. Additionally, it should not be used daily as it can erode the enamel layer of the teeth.

Salt and lemon juice

Pan masala and gutka are popular treats in Southeast Asia, often enjoyed after meals. However, the plant matter they contain can lead to stubborn stains on teeth that cannot be removed by brushing alone.

A natural method to remove these stains is to use a mixture of salt and lemon juice. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use this method:

• Mix a few drops of lemon juice with salt to form a paste. The citric acid in lemon juice acts as a natural bleaching agent, helping to remove stains.
• Using your finger, rub the paste onto your teeth. Ensure your teeth are dry before applying the paste, as this will yield the best results.
• Leave the paste on your teeth for about 10 minutes. During this time, keep spitting out any excess saliva.
• After 10 minutes, rinse your mouth with water to remove the paste.
• Finally, brush your teeth with regular toothpaste.

For effective results, this process should be repeated regularly. While this method is safe and natural, it is important to note that lemon juice is highly acidic and can damage tooth enamel if used too frequently. Therefore, it is recommended to use this method no more than three times a week.

In addition to salt and lemon juice, other natural stain removal methods include baking soda, strawberry paste, orange peel, and hydrogen peroxide. Consulting a cosmetic dentist is also an option for more severe cases of staining.

Dentist scaling

If you have stained teeth from chewing pan masala, it's important to first stop the habit. The stains won't disappear on their own, and they can cause serious damage to your teeth and gums. A dentist can advise on the best course of action, which may include one or more of the following treatments:

This is a safe and effective way to remove stains from teeth. Scaling is a simple procedure where a dentist uses an ultrasonic tool to remove the layers of your teeth containing the stain. This process may take a few appointments, depending on the severity of the stains. It is important to note that scaling can leave your teeth thinner and weaker, so it should only be done under professional supervision.

Polishing

After scaling, your dentist may recommend teeth polishing to smoothen the surface of your teeth and give them a shiny appearance. Polishing can also help remove any remaining stains and prevent new ones from forming.

Bleaching

If the stains persist after scaling, your dentist may suggest bleaching. This procedure uses a strong bleach to whiten your teeth and can provide immediate results. However, due to the strength of the bleach, it can only be applied to the front eight teeth. Your dentist will also prescribe an at-home whitening solution to maintain the results.

Bonding

If you have severe staining or tooth decay, bonding may be recommended. This procedure involves roughening the tooth enamel with a special tool and then applying a thin layer of bonding cement and a tooth-colored resin compound. Ultraviolet light is then used to activate the cement and bond the resin to your natural tooth. Bonding can take 30 to 60 minutes per tooth.

Veneers

For multiple stained or eroded teeth, dental veneers may be the best option. Veneers are similar to dental bonds but can be fitted over several teeth at once. A thin layer of tooth enamel is removed, and an impression of your bite is taken. A laboratory then crafts an overlay made of resin or porcelain, which is later bonded to your teeth using dental cement and ultraviolet light.

While these treatments can effectively remove pan masala stains, preventing them in the first place is always the best approach. Quitting the habit and maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and tongue cleaning, are crucial. Additionally, a healthy diet rich in iron and calcium can help strengthen your teeth and protect them from stains.

Whitening toothpaste

Stains from pan masala are difficult to remove by brushing alone. The tar in pan masala sticks to the enamel and forms a yellow stain above the gum line. The chemicals in pan masala break down the enamel, allowing other compounds to reach the tooth surface and cause staining.

To enhance the stain-removing properties of your toothpaste, you can add a few drops of lemon to some salt and rub the mixture onto your teeth with your finger. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse and brush your teeth with your whitening toothpaste.

Alternatively, you can add baking soda to your whitening toothpaste. Baking soda has mild abrasive and antibacterial properties, which can help to remove stains and prevent tooth decay.

For more severe staining, a dentist may recommend a bleaching treatment. This can be done in-office or at home with a solution prescribed by your dentist. However, it's important to note that bleaching treatments may not be suitable for those with tooth decay or sensitive teeth.

In addition to using whitening toothpaste, it's important to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent further staining. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, using a tongue cleaner, and visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.

Natural methods

Lemon and Salt

Create a mixture by adding a few drops of lemon to salt and rub your teeth with it using your finger. Leave the mixture on for about 10 minutes, continuously spitting out the saliva. Then, rinse your mouth and brush your teeth with regular toothpaste. Regular use of this mixture will help remove pan masala stains.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a mild remedy for removing stains caused by pan masala. Collect some baking soda and add it to your regular toothpaste. Brush your teeth with this mixture to prevent and remove lighter stains.

Strawberry Paste

Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, which helps to dilute and extract the material sticking to the enamel of your teeth. Mash 1-2 strawberries to form a paste and apply it to your teeth with your fingers. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse. Regular use of strawberry paste is a safe and effective way to remove stains.

Orange Peel

Orange peels are rich in vitamin C, which helps remove teeth stains. Cut an orange peel into thin pieces and rub them on your teeth for a few minutes. Let the juice sit on your teeth for a while before rinsing. Alternatively, you can dry orange peels in the sun, grind them into a powder, and then add this powder to your toothpaste.

Chew Margosa Twigs or Banyan Tree Roots

Chewing on soft margosa twigs or banyan tree roots is an old and trusted remedy to remove stains and maintain healthy teeth and gums. Chew on one end of a margosa twig to split it into thin fibres, then brush your teeth with it and swish the juice around your mouth. You can also chew on banyan roots regularly to help remove stains.

Dietary Changes

Include iron-rich and calcium-rich foods in your diet to keep your teeth strong. Stronger teeth and healthier gums protect teeth from stains by maintaining the enamel. Eat crisp, oil-free, and spice-free fruits and vegetables like guava, apple, carrots, radish, pears, and cucumber several times a day, especially after meals, to prevent stains. Rinse your mouth after consuming foods or drinks that can cause staining.

It is important to note that these natural methods may take time to show results and require consistent application. Additionally, while these methods can help remove lighter stains, more severe stains may require professional dental treatment.

Frequently asked questions