How to Whiten Teeth

Apr 16, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Drinking a lot of coffee and smoking can cause teeth to become very yellow, which significantly affects one's appearance. I would like to know how to make teeth whiter.

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Chao

To achieve whiter teeth, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, using dental floss regularly to clean between teeth, and undergoing professional dental cleaning at least once a year.

Reducing or avoiding the consumption of staining foods and beverages, such as coffee, red wine, tea, and tobacco, can help prevent surface discoloration of the teeth. If a quicker whitening effect is desired, professional teeth whitening treatments may be considered, such as at-home whitening kits or in-office laser whitening. However, these procedures should be conducted under the guidance of a dental professional to avoid potential damage to the teeth.

If tooth discoloration is severe, professional treatments are available. Dental cleaning can remove dark brown pigments and tartar buildup on the tooth surface, making teeth appear whiter. For intrinsic staining originating from within the tooth structure, cold light whitening is an effective option. This method works by delivering whitening agents into the dentin to break down internal pigments and achieve a whitening effect.

If tooth discoloration is accompanied by abnormal tooth shape, porcelain veneers may be an excellent option. Porcelain veneers can improve both the color and shape of teeth, enhancing overall dental aesthetics.