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.
Can you fix stained teeth at home? ›
Brush and floss daily to remove plaque, a major cause of tooth discoloration. Brush your teeth with baking soda. It won't bleach your teeth, but it can remove surface stains. Using a paste of baking soda and salt twice a week can improve tooth whiteness over the long run.
How do you cover up a discolored tooth? ›
If discoloration or chips are the issue, cosmetic dental bonding may be the alternative to more expensive or complex procedures. When you've got a chipped or discolored tooth, you have plenty of options to hide the flaw. Dental veneers and crowns can both solve the problem, but these procedures have two drawbacks.
How do you treat a discolored tooth? ›
Treating discolouration A lot of extrinsic stains can be removed through a combination of brushing, flossing and rinsing at home, and regular cleaning by a professional hygienist. More deeply ingrained discolouration can be treated with the application of a bleaching agent to the enamel.
Why is only 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 you reverse tooth browning? ›
If the tooth discoloration is not severe, you may be able to reverse it just through the lifestyle changes explored earlier. If the tooth discoloration is severe, your options include: Veneers and bondings. Over-the-counter whitening agents.
What is the best tooth stain remover? ›
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.
Is it safe to use hydrogen peroxide on your teeth? ›
You can use hydrogen peroxide to whiten your teeth since it has natural bleaching properties. But using it on your teeth carries the risk of getting tooth sensitivity and gum inflammation. Some kinds of toothpaste and mouth washing products contain small concentrations of hydrogen peroxide.
Can you cap a discolored tooth? ›
If you have severe tooth discoloration or stains, dental crowns can cover the affected teeth and make them look whiter. This solution for discoloration is more suitable if you have just one or two teeth that are stained rather than several teeth.
Enamel can never 'regrow' per se because there are no living cells in the tooth enamel. Your best bet is to treat any existing problems from tooth decay and focus on better oral care and hygiene habits, which will preserve the enamel you have and prevent further deterioration.
How to fix a discolored tooth at home? ›
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that can help to whiten stained teeth . For optimal whitening, a person can try brushing with a mix of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for 1–2 minutes twice a day for a week. They should only do this occasionally.
What is the best dental treatment for Discoloured teeth? ›
Composite bonding is a simple, non-invasive and cost effective way to tackle tooth discolouration. It can be used on its own, on single or multiple teeth, to create a more even smile - in colour or shape.
How do you whiten a single dark tooth? ›
Typically when a single tooth appears dark yellow or yellow-brown it can be bleached by itself using a custom-fitted tooth whitening tray to isolate the one tooth. Once the single dark tooth matches the surrounding teeth you should apply the bleaching gel to all teeth until they appear to not getting lighter.
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.
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.
Can a brown tooth be saved? ›
A root canal is the only way to save a dead tooth and involves removing the pulp and cleaning the site to prevent infections.
