Tea, coffee, smoking and age all turn teeth yellower over time. There are many ways to whiten teeth, but not all of them are safe.
Home remedies to avoid
- Lemon juice or vinegar — they erode enamel
- Scrubbing hard with baking soda — wears teeth and raises sensitivity
- Charcoal powder — too abrasive
Safe options
- Scaling and polishing — removes surface stains
- In-clinic whitening supervised by a dentist
- Take-home whitening with custom trays from your dentist
Good to know
Whitening doesn't change the colour of fillings, crowns or veneers. Mild, temporary sensitivity is common.
When to see a dentist
Have a check-up before whitening — cavities or gum problems should be treated first.