Erase Teeth Stains: Natural Ways To Remove Pan Stains

Stained teeth can be embarrassing and unsightly, and pan stains are a common cause of discolouration. The good news is that there are several ways to remove these stains and restore your teeth to their former glory. The best method for you will depend on the type of stain you have. If you have extrinsic stains, which are those that discolour the enamel, you may be able to remove them with a home teeth-whitening system. These usually come in the form of whitening toothpaste and mouthwash, whitening gel and trays, whitening strips, or whitening pens. However, if you have intrinsic stains, which start inside the tooth and affect the dentin, you may need to see a dentist for a professional whitening treatment. This is also the case if you have age-related stains, which are caused by your enamel thinning and your dentin turning a darker shade of yellow-brown. In addition to whitening treatments, you can also take steps to prevent stains from developing in the first place by cutting down on staining foods and drinks, rinsing your mouth with water after meals, and practising good oral hygiene.

Stop consuming pan

Pan, also known as gutka, is a type of chewing tobacco that can cause red, brown, or yellow stains on teeth. If you want to get rid of pan stains on your teeth, the first step is to stop consuming pan. Here are some detailed instructions to help you stop consuming pan:

• Understand the risks: Pan contains tobacco, which is highly addictive. It also contains areca nut, slaked lime, and other ingredients that can be harmful to your health. Chewing pan increases your risk of oral cancer, heart disease, and other serious health problems.
• Set a quit date: Choose a quit date that is within the next week. This will give you enough time to prepare and mentally prepare for quitting.
• Seek professional help: Consider consulting a doctor, dentist, or therapist to help you quit. They can provide you with resources, support, and guidance throughout the process.
• Create a plan: Develop a plan to deal with cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This may include finding alternative activities to distract yourself, such as exercising, meditating, or spending time with friends who don't consume pan.
• Get rid of pan and related products: Throw away any pan, betel leaves, and other related products you have at home. Get rid of ashtrays, lighters, and other items that may trigger your urge to consume pan.
• Avoid triggers: Identify and avoid situations or places that may trigger your urge to consume pan. For example, if you usually consume pan after meals, try brushing your teeth right after eating to reduce the urge.
• Seek support: Join a support group or find a quit buddy who can provide encouragement and accountability. Having a support system can help you stay motivated and on track.
• Replace the habit: Instead of consuming pan, replace it with a healthier habit. For example, you could chew sugar-free gum or munch on healthy snacks like carrots or celery sticks.
• Manage stress: Stress can be a trigger for consuming pan. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as practising deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation.
• Stay motivated: Remind yourself of the reasons why you want to quit. Keep a list of the benefits of quitting pan, such as improving your oral health and reducing health risks.
• Be persistent: Quitting pan may not be easy, and relapses may occur. Don't be too hard on yourself if you experience a setback. Learn from your mistakes and use them as an opportunity to strengthen your commitment to quitting.

Remember, it's important to seek professional help if you feel overwhelmed or struggling to quit on your own. Quitting pan will not only improve the appearance of your teeth but also have significant benefits for your overall health and well-being.

Visit a dentist for a professional cleaning

Visiting a dentist for a professional cleaning is a great way to remove pan stains from your teeth. A dental prophylaxis or teeth cleaning is a standard procedure that can be performed by a dental hygienist. Here's what you can expect during your visit:

Initial Examination

Before the cleaning process, the dental hygienist will conduct a physical examination of your entire mouth. They will use a small mirror to check your teeth and gums for any signs of inflammation or other potential issues. If they detect any major problems, they may consult with the dentist before proceeding.

Removing Plaque and Tartar

The hygienist will then use a scaler, guided by the small mirror, to remove plaque and tartar buildup around your gum line and between your teeth. This process may take some time, depending on the amount of tartar present. Brushing and flossing regularly can help reduce the buildup of tartar, which can only be removed professionally.

Toothpaste Cleaning

Once the tartar is removed, the hygienist will brush your teeth with a high-powered electric brush and a gritty toothpaste designed specifically for professional cleanings. This step helps remove any remaining tartar and provides a deep clean.

Expert Flossing

Even if you floss regularly at home, a professional flossing session can reach deeper between your teeth and identify potential trouble spots. This step also removes any leftover plaque or toothpaste from the previous steps.

Rinsing and Fluoride Treatment

After rinsing your mouth to get rid of any debris, the hygienist will apply a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a protectant that helps guard your teeth against cavities for several months. You will be given a choice of flavors for the fluoride gel or paste, which is applied to your teeth using a mouthpiece. Fluoride varnish may also be painted onto your teeth, which hardens when it comes into contact with saliva.

Additional Steps

Depending on your specific needs, the dentist or hygienist may recommend additional steps, such as X-rays or molar sealants for children. Regular dental cleanings, typically scheduled twice a year, are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing problems.

Effectiveness of Professional Cleaning

A professional dental cleaning can effectively remove surface buildup, plaque, and tartar. It can also brighten your teeth and make them less prone to staining. However, it may not eliminate all stains, especially deeper intrinsic or age-related stains. For more stubborn stains, professional whitening treatments may be required.

Try a home teeth-whitening system

There are many ways to whiten your teeth at home, from whitening toothpaste to whitening strips, gels, pens, mouthwash, and LED lights. The most common and effective ingredients in teeth-whitening kits are hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the bleaching action in chemically induced whitening is due to the effects of carbamide peroxide, which releases about one-third of its content as hydrogen peroxide, a strong oxidizing agent.

Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpastes typically contain mild abrasives like hydrated silica, sodium bicarbonate, and calcium carbonate to polish and remove surface stains. They may also contain low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide to bleach teeth. Whitening toothpaste is the easiest method on this list, but it may take longer to see results.

Whitening Strips and Trays

Whitening strips and trays are another common method of teeth whitening. These products contain a plastic strip or tray used to apply the bleaching ingredient, hydrogen peroxide, directly to the teeth. Each session lasts 30 minutes to two hours, and results can be visible in one day. However, you will need up to three weeks of repeated application for full results.

Whitening Light Devices

Whitening light devices involve applying a whitening agent directly to the teeth and then holding a blue LED light over them to increase penetration and accelerate results. This method is very effective because the amount of time the active ingredient makes full contact with your teeth.

Whitening Gels, Serums, and Pens

Whitening gels, serums, and pens contain the active ingredient hydrogen peroxide in a pen or gel form that you glide over your teeth to whiten them. Some are left on the teeth, while others are meant to be rinsed off. The whitening results from these products are generally more moderate because the ingredients can be diluted or washed away over time.

Whitening Foam

If you wear an aligner, retainer, or night guard, a whitening foam can be a gentle and effective daily option. The low concentration of carbamide peroxide in the formula means there is a low likelihood of sensitivity. While this method may not be as effective as whitening strips, it is a good choice for preventing staining in between whitening sessions.

Other Tips

To prevent yellowing or darkening of teeth, it is recommended to drink any colored beverages through a straw to keep them from coming into contact with your teeth. You can also rinse your mouth with water immediately after drinking or eating to prevent staining.

Improve your oral hygiene

Improving your oral hygiene is a great way to remove teeth stains and prevent them from reoccurring. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Brushing and Flossing

The foundation of good oral hygiene is regular and proper brushing and flossing. It is recommended to brush your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste. Angle the bristles towards the gum line and use small, circular motions to gently clean between the gums and teeth. Avoid scrubbing hard back and forth as this can damage your enamel and gums. Remember to also floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.

Dental Cleanings and Check-ups

Even with a diligent oral hygiene routine at home, it is important to schedule regular dental cleanings and check-ups. A dentist or dental hygienist can remove hardened plaque, also known as calculus or tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone. They can also identify any areas of concern and provide guidance on improving your oral hygiene practices.

Avoid Staining Foods and Beverages

Some foods and drinks are more likely to cause teeth stains. Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-coloured berries are known to be common culprits. While it is not necessary to avoid these completely, limiting their consumption and reducing the amount of time they are in contact with your teeth can help prevent stains. Drinking through a straw can also minimize contact with your teeth.

Quit Tobacco Use

Tobacco use, whether smoking or chewing, can lead to significant teeth staining and other oral health issues. Quitting tobacco will not only improve the appearance of your teeth but also reduce your risk of developing serious dental problems and other health issues.

Use Teeth Whitening Products

There are various teeth whitening products available that can help remove stains and brighten your smile. Whitening toothpastes, mouthwashes, gels, strips, and pens are all options to consider. Many of these products contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which are effective whitening agents. However, be cautious when using these products as overuse can lead to tooth sensitivity.

Natural Remedies

Some natural remedies have been suggested for teeth whitening, although scientific evidence for their effectiveness is limited. Oil pulling with coconut oil is a traditional practice that can help improve oral hygiene and reduce bacteria in the mouth. Brushing with baking soda is another option as it has mild abrasive properties and creates an alkaline environment that prevents bacterial growth.

Use a whitening toothpaste

Using a whitening toothpaste is a simple way to get more out of your regular brushing routine. Whitening toothpaste contains chemical and abrasive ingredients to remove stains caused by food and drink, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and even smoking. While the results won't be as dramatic as a professional treatment, whitening toothpaste can make a big difference in brightening your smile.

Whitening toothpaste generally works by using abrasives to gently scrub stains from the surface of your teeth. Some also include bleaching agents to remove deep-set stains. Your teeth should gradually become whiter as the products lift off stains bit by bit, day by day.

When choosing a whitening toothpaste, look for ingredients such as chemical whiteners like carbamide and hydrogen peroxide, which is the most common chemical whitener and is very effective at stain removal. Abrasive whiteners like silica and chalk are also effective at removing stains on the surface of your teeth, and are harmless to tooth enamel. Your whitening toothpaste should also contain sodium fluoride, which fights cavities and effectively cleans your teeth.

It's best to avoid toothpastes that contain charcoal, as these can be too abrasive. It's also important to note that whitening toothpaste takes time to work. You may have to wait two to six weeks to see the effects. To maximize results, brush for two minutes, and consider using an electric toothbrush with a timer if you struggle to brush for the recommended time.

Whitening toothpaste can help remove superficial staining, but it does have limitations. It will only remove surface stains and won't lighten teeth beyond their natural shade. If you're looking for more dramatic results, consider pairing it with a whitening kit or professional treatment.

Frequently asked questions