A Resolution for Brighter Teeth
It would be great if we could have brighter teeth, regardless of what we ate or drank. However, over time, the foods and drinks we enjoy can stain or discolor our pearly whites.
Fortunately, you can avoid yellowed teeth or return your teeth to a brighter shade of white. A combination of at-home remedies and professional treatment will help keep your teeth looking great. Here are some ways to keep your teeth white moving forward.
Regular Brushing
It seems simple, but brushing twice a day will remove the food particles and plaque that can lead to stains on your teeth. Be sure to brush for two full minutes in the morning and before bed. If it’s possible, brushing after lunch is also a good idea to remove food particles that can damage your teeth and gums.
Floss
Don’t skip flossing! Cleaning between your teeth will not only help prevent stains, but it will keep your teeth and gums healthy. Be sure flossing is a regular part of your oral care routine.
Whitening Toothpaste
When you brush, use a whitening toothpaste that comes with a seal of approval from the American Dental Association. You can find whitening toothpaste in most drugstores at various price points. The seal lets you know the toothpaste is safe to use on your teeth. You can also try an at-home bleaching kit that’s been approved by the ADA. However, these are not as effective as professional teeth whitening treatments, which achieve brighter teeth results in much less time.
Avoid Foods that Stain
Coffee, tea, and red wine are some of the biggest culprits when it comes to yellowed teeth. You can still enjoy these drinks, but doing so in moderation will keep your teeth looking great. And when you do enjoy a cup of coffee, brush your teeth afterward. If you’re not in a place where you can brush, rinse your mouth with water to remove as much coffee residue as possible.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking cigarettes or cigars are not only harmful to your physical health, but the smoke will also discolor your teeth. For the sake of your whole body, don’t start smoking. If you’re a smoker, resolve to quit now. If you can’t quit on your own, consult your doctor for a prescription drug that can help.
Teeth Whitening Dangers
While you’ll find plenty of anecdotal evidence that suggests common household ingredients can whiten your teeth, some of these methods can be dangerous. For example, baking soda or activated charcoal can scrub away your tooth’s enamel without actually whitening your teeth. Not only is removing enamel dangerous for your oral health, but it can also defeat the purpose.
When your enamel is gone, the dentin layer of your tooth shows. Since the dentin layer is yellow, your smile will actually look even less white. Acidic ingredients can also damage your teeth. Vinegar and lemon juice can also wear away enamel, leading to cavities and tooth sensitivity.
While oil pulling or using turmeric to whiten teeth isn’t inherently dangerous, there’s no scientific proof that it works. Feel free to oil pull if you like how it makes your mouth feel, but don’t expect much in the way of whitening.
How to Get Whiter Teeth Safely
Professional treatment is the safest way to achieve whiter teeth. Even a robust, at-home oral care program won’t remove stubborn stains. Professional whitening treatments are proven ways to safely remove stains and brighten your smile.
The treatment consists of several trays filled with a highly concentrated gel. The trays are molded to fit your mouth. This allows the gel to work on the surface of your tooth without reaching your gum line. You’ll be pleased with how quickly you see results!