Everyone knows toothpaste helps keep your teeth clean and plaque-free. It also freshens your breath and gives you a brighter smile. Most people who brush their teeth regularly have experienced toothpaste stains on their shirt, carpet, towels, and even your teeth! If you’ve done this, you know toothpaste stains can be rather embarrassing, hard to miss, and difficult to take out.
Fluorosis Staining
Toothpastes can stain more than just your carpet. Many toothpastes on the market contain fluoride. Fluoride is a natural mineral and is often found in the water we drink. For those who use fluoride regularly, it is a very effective way to prevent cavity formation when used regularly.
However, too much fluoride in certain toothpastes can sometimes stain teeth that are young and developing. This is called fluorosis. Often, fluorosis is restricted to back teeth where it is not noticeable. If staining occurs on the front teeth, Tendercare Dental offers Whitening Treatment to minimize discoloration and brighten your overall smile. Be sure to keep products containing fluoride out of the reach of children to prevent fluoride staining. Checking the fluoride levels in your drinking water is also recommended.
Cleaning Your Stained Clothes
When it comes to getting toothpaste stains out of your shirt, or any washable clothing, chances are you won’t be able to do it on the way out the door with a wet cloth. This is because most toothpaste contains titanium dioxide powder, which is what makes your teeth look whiter. If you’re in a pinch, it is advised to first scrape off as much excess as possible and then:
- Blot area with a soft, wet cloth
- Mix a few drops of laundry detergent together with water
- Blot area with detergent-water mixture
- Blot with clean water to rinse
- Let air dry
This should take care of the stain in the moment, but if you still have residue, don’t worry. Chances are high that it will wash out once you put it through laundry cycle.
If your clothing is dry-cleaning only, there are dry-cleaning solvent pens on the market that you can try, and the at-home cleaning kits often include a stain remover that can be used. If all else fails, let your dry cleaner know about the stain and they can likely remove it for you.
Cleaning Carpet and Furniture
Since you can’t put your carpet or furniture through the washing machine, here are some tips to get toothpaste stains out of larger items.
- Mix 2 teaspoons of dish washing liquid with 2 cups water.
- Dip a sponge into the solution and work solution into stained area.
- Blot with a clean paper towel to pull stain out of carpet and onto towel.
- Dip cloth into clean water to rinse area, and continue rinsing until the soapy residue is removed.
Let air dry, but keep away from direct sunlight or heat. For carpet, vacuum to lift fibers.
Toothpaste stains can be a pain, but toothpaste is your best defense against bacteria and plaque buildup. If you’re experiencing fluorosis or any discomfort you suspect may be caused by your toothpaste, schedule your next dental appointment at Tendercare Dental. We have eight convenient locations around Portland to best serve you and your family’s dental needs!