A brighter, whiter smile is what half of America is searching for. Some have found it, some have not. The key is not in these high dollar teeth whitening treatments that you can buy at the store; the key is in how you take care of your teeth by what you eat, drink, and if you properly clean them. Below are some tips on what to avoid and what to take up when trying to whiten your teeth.
Try not to use over-the-counter whitening products without first consulting with your dentist. A lot of the times, these products’ harsh chemicals can actually damage your teeth, far from the intended benefits. Your dentist will be able to help you determine if your tooth enamel is strong enough for OTC treatments.
To avoid unnecessary pain, people with sensitive teeth should consult a dental professional to find the best possible whitening product. Since most take home teeth whitening products are not made for sensitive teeth, it is important that you consult a professional before applying an irritant to your own sensitive teeth. They can direct you to the most effective and pain-free whitening solution.
Practice preventative maintenance on your teeth by using a gum massager. You want to target the area under the gum flap where the plaque begins to build up. Plaque is a major contributor to discolored teeth. When the plaque begins to build on your teeth, stains can adhere to the surface easier.
Try to avoid water with fluoride added in or toothpaste that incorporates fluoride. Recent reports have shown that fluoride can stain and discolor teeth. If you only have access to water in your home with fluoride added to it, either look for a filter or consider drinking your water from bottles as long as it is without fluoride as well.
Avoid smoking. The smoke and nicotine from the cigarettes can discolor our teeth.
Beverages that contain acid or carbonation are best drunk with a straw to help keep your teeth white. By using a straw you can divert the beverages past the teeth and prevent some of the staining potential. Try not to fill your mouth with beverage when drinking as this will defeat the purpose of the straw.
Your dentist can tell you which kits whiten teeth best without damaging enamel or gums. Some products are more effective than others, so it’s always a good idea to ask your dentist for his advice.
Brushing your teeth is imperative after teeth whitening procedures to ensure quality results. The food left on your teeth can cause the growth of bacteria. If your teeth have not regained the hardness they had prior to the procedure, the bacteria could significantly damage them. Therefore, it is extremely important to brush your teeth after consuming any type of food.
Pick up some whitening tooth paste. Though the effectiveness of these toothpastes are minimal compared to stronger products, they can aid in reducing or preventing stains. By using an abrasive, your toothpaste will scrub the stains off without harming your enamel.
Along with being high in sugar and/or high fructose corn syrup, wine and soda can stain your teeth. That makes these beverages a double hazard for your teeth. Avoid these beverages or rinse your mouth out with water after drinking soda or wine, better yet, brush your teeth if possible.
To whiten your teeth naturally, use dried bay leaves and orange peels. Simply grind the dried leaves and peels together and use a damp toothbrush to brush the mixture onto your teeth. The combination will whiten your teeth without the hassle of trips to the dentist, which can be time consuming and costly.
You can whiten stained teeth by rubbing a strawberry paste on them daily. Simply buy some strawberries, grind them, make a paste, and smear it onto your teeth. The acids in the strawberry juice will cause your teeth be whiter without the need for harsh chemicals. You won’t have to worry about unnaturally over-whitening your teeth with this method.
A great teeth whitening tip is to make sure that you visit the dentist on a regular basis to have your teeth professionally cleaned. This will help to reduce the plaque that builds up on your teeth and will also make sure that you do not have any other oral health issues.
Ask your dentist about teeth whitening methods before buying anything. Your dentist will know what the best options are out there, and he or she will also be able to tell you about the side effects associated with certain systems for teeth whitening.
Some people believe that lemon and lime juice can whiten your teeth, but it’s not true! Actually, you should avoid putting this sort of acidic substance on your teeth. These juices are full of acid that erodes your tooth enamel, causing cavities and tooth discoloration.
One very important teeth-whitening tip is to try to use natural methods whenever possible. This is important because not only will you save money by using these methods, but you will also prevent exposure to chemicals that could either harm you or cause unwanted damage to your teeth.
Strawberries have excellent teeth whitening abilities. Just mash a few up and rub them on your teeth daily, just as you would a toothpaste. Leave the paste on for about five minutes, then rinse your mouth. The acidic properties of strawberries works to erase harmful plaque, bacteria, and yellow teeth.
A great tip that can help you with teeth whitening is to make sure you don’t overuse any whitening products. Though you might have good intentions by using them a lot, overusing these products can actually damage your teeth. Protect your tooth enamel by only using whitening products in moderation.
As previously stated, white teeth are in high demand by most of America. There are costly ways to go about whitening your teeth, then there are smart ways. Of course, the smart ways are best. The costly ways may be easier, but could hurt your teeth in the long run, not to mention your bank account. If you follow the aforementioned teeth-whitening tips, then you should be well on your way to achieving those beautiful pearly whites you have always dreamed of.
