Many people suffer from embarrassing tooth stains, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Although deep stains require the help of an experienced dentist, you can treat minor discoloration in the privacy of your own home. Below are some natural remedies to make your smile brighter. 

3 Ways to Treat Stained or Yellow Teeth 

1. Diet

Although teeth naturally turn yellow with age, you can help slow or reverse the process by removing stain-causing items from your diet. For instance, the tannins in wine and tea contain gallic acid, which can color and damage your teeth. Other foods that contribute to staining include dark juices, coffee, and soft drinks. If you abstain from these substances, you should see an improvement in your teeth brightness.  

2. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that can help you remove stains and whiten your teeth. Many dentist-recommended toothpaste brands use it as an ingredient. You can make your own paste by combining 2 teaspoons of peroxide with 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Stir until the two form a thick paste. Apply with a toothbrush, and let the paste remain on your teeth for one minute before rinsing your mouth. Be aware that baking soda is quite abrasive, so you shouldn't brush with it more than a couple of times per week.

3. Coconut Oil

Another effective paste you can make at home is a mixture of coconut oil and chopped peppermint leaf or peppermint oil (added for flavor). One of the causes of yellowing teeth is long-term contact with certain oral bacteria. Coconut oil contains a bacteria-fighting agent called lauric acid that can help you brighten your smile. It's not a quick fix, so you may have to brush with it for a month or more before you see improvement. However, it is safe to use daily.

While minor tooth stains can be remedied at home, others require professional attention. If natural methods aren’t working for you, contact Dr. Charles Bumgardner DMD, an experienced dentist in Lexington, SC. Dr. Bumgardner has been in practice for nearly 30 years and serves patients throughout the Midlands region. The practice specializes in veneers, crowns, bridges, dentures, painless tooth extractions, and cosmetic dentistry that can help you brighten stained and yellow teeth. Visit their website to learn more about their whitening and bleaching process or call (803) 356-6030 to schedule a dentist appointment today.