Why teeth lose their brightness
Most discolouration builds up slowly. Tea, coffee, turmeric, colas, tobacco and paan leave stains on the surface, and with age the enamel thins so the darker layer beneath shows through more.
Some discolouration starts inside the tooth — after an injury, a root canal treatment or certain medicines taken in childhood. These need a different approach, which is why we look at the cause before recommending whitening.
Cleaning or whitening?
A professional clean and polish removes tartar and surface stains and often makes teeth look noticeably brighter on its own. Whitening goes further: it lightens the natural colour of the tooth. Many people start with a clean and decide afterwards whether they would like to whiten.
How professional whitening works
- Check-up — we examine your teeth and gums and treat any decay or gum problems first.
- Cleaning — tartar and surface stains are removed so the gel can work evenly.
- Shade record — your starting shade is noted, so you can see the change.
- Whitening — your gums are protected and a whitening gel is applied under supervision.
- Review — we check the result and advise on care, and on top-ups if you want them later.
Who it suits
Whitening works best on natural teeth with healthy gums and yellowish or light-brown staining. It is not usually recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for children and young teenagers, or for teeth with untreated decay or gum disease.
Whitening does not change the colour of crowns, bridges, veneers or tooth-coloured fillings. If you have these on front teeth, we plan treatment so that everything matches afterwards.
Is it safe?
Carried out or supervised by a dentist, whitening is a well-established treatment. The most common side effect is temporary sensitivity, which usually settles within a few days. Home remedies such as lemon, baking soda or charcoal powders can wear away enamel and are best avoided.
Keeping your smile bright
- Avoid strongly coloured food and drinks for the first 48 hours
- Rinse with water after tea, coffee and turmeric dishes
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth
- Keep up regular cleanings to remove new surface stains
- Avoid tobacco and paan, which stain quickly
Treatment suitability is determined after an in-person dental consultation. This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a guarantee of results.