Tooth whitening products and procedures depend on the type of stain you wish to remove.
External (Surface Enamel) Stains: To remove most teeth stains caused by food, wine, tobacco, and other substances:
- See your dental professional regularly for thorough cleanings.
- Use a whitening toothpaste to help remove surface stains between dental visits.
- Carefully follow instructions to whiten your teeth with over-the-counter teeth whitening products.
If you've had surface stains for years, you might want to have your teeth professionally whitened to remove these more stubborn external stains.
Internal (Enamel) Stains: These stains can be professionally bleached, bonded with veneers, or capped with crowns. While each method is safe and effective, your dentist can recommend the treatment most appropriate for you. Professionally treating the stains is dependent on the state of your teeth and the results you wish to achieve.