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.
Rinse your mouth out with 3% hydrogen peroxide solution every evening after you brush your teeth. 3% hydrogen peroxide solution is a mild bleaching agent so it can help to keep your teeth white, it is also very cheap; you should be able to pick up a bottle in your local pharmacy for less than $2.
When you are going through a teeth whitening process, you may experience sensitivity. Sensitivity during the whitening is very common. The sensitivity should disappear within a day or two after the process is over. If you have continued sensitivity, you should consult with your dentist about the problem that you are having.
Heavy smoking can in fact damage and stain your teeth. It helps to cut down on the amount of cigarettes you smoke each day or eliminate them out of your life completely. People who smoke have a harder time keeping their teeth clean than those who don’t.
Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Regular brushing helps to prevent plaque build up, because this can result in permanent discoloration of your teeth. Once it builds up, it is difficult to remove without the assistance of a dentist, so it’s better to avoid the problem in the first place.
You may not be able to brush after every meal, however, you can rinse your mouth after meals. Take a minute or two after eating or drinking beverages that can stain and thoroughly rinse your mouth. This will help remove loose particles and stain causing residues that may be left behind from your meals.
Use natural tooth whiteners, such as baking soda, orange peels, or lemon peels. Mixing any of these with a little salt can make an excellent cheap tooth whitening product. Be sure to wash your mouth out thoroughly after using any of these methods, as the harsh acids can damage your teeth.
There are some fruits that will work as teeth whiteners. Strawberries can be rubbed onto your teeth or made into a paste by mashing it and brushed on. Leave it rest on your teeth for five minutes or so and then rinse well. The inside of an orange peel will work just as well.
Floss your teeth twice a day. It’s best to do this to prevent plaque, which can discolor your teeth. Make sure you floss in the morning but, most importantly, before you go to sleep because this is when teeth are most susceptible to damage and plaque buildup. Flossing before you go to sleep will prevent this.
To whiten your teeth on the go, try whitening strips. Available from many manufacturers in all price ranges, they really are one of the handiest ways of whitening your teeth while on the run. Apply the strips and wear while on your commute to work or out running errands with the kids and you’ll have white teeth without a lot of effort.
To get professional teeth whitening done at an affordable price, look for a dental school or dental hygiene training program in your area and let a student dentist or hygienist do the job. Costs at dental schools are much, much less than at a professional dental office and while the work is carried out by a student, there is always a licensed dentist on-hand supervising all work done by the students.
Avoid using toothpastes that contain fluoride. Experts have found that fluoride can leave your teeth discolored and stained. However, it is still used as a major ingredient in many toothpastes and teeth-cleaning products. Look at the ingredients carefully when choosing a toothpaste. Try to avoid any that list fluoride as an ingredient.
Just as you don’t expect to have a perfect body after one day at the gym, you shouldn’t expect to have a great smile after just one attempt at whitening. It can take several treatments by either laser or whitening strips to get the smile and color that you are really looking for.
Apply a sunless tanner to make your teeth appear whiter. The color you will get from applying a tanner provides a contrast to your teeth that will make them gleam whiter than when you are paler. As an added benefit, it will also make your eyes stand out even more.
Do not smoke if you want whiter teeth. Smoking can cause unsightly stains on your pearly whites and is potentially disastrous to your health. Smokers tend to have a yellowish tint to their teeth, from all the tar and nicotine contained in cigarettes. Trying to whiten your teeth while you continue to smoke is very difficult. If you can’t kick the habit, at least try to cut back for the sake of your health and your teeth.
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.
