With more and more people concerned about physical appearance, teeth whitening is becoming a regular beauty ritual for some people. However, there are some precautions that need to be taken and things to consider before you decide which of the many options is the best for you. This article provides you with some useful advice.
Before the invention of fancy teeth whitening mouthwashes and toothpastes, baking soda served as a great alternative. You can still use baking soda to effectively whiten your teeth. Pour some baking soda on your toothbrush and start brushing your teeth. Make sure that you do not swallow the baking soda and rinse out thoroughly when finished. You can easily see the whitening effects within the first few weeks.
Hydrogen peroxide is another alternative that you can use to brush your teeth. The peroxide oxidizes your teeth upon contact and can remove states. Most hydrogen peroxide you buy in stores will already be diluted, but you can dilute further, by mixing 2 tablespoons of water to every tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide. If you do not like the taste of the peroxide, substitute a sweet tasting mouthwash for the water.
Determine why your teeth are discolored before starting any whitening treatment. A trip to your dentist should answer this question. Knowing the cause of your discolored teeth will give you the best treatment options for your specific problems and therefore you will also get the best results too.
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.
Kiss smoking goodbye. Nicotine and smoke will discolor your teeth over time.
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.
Watch for tooth sensitivity when using tooth whitening products. Many of these products can irritate the gums or cause your teeth to become unusually sensitive to cold. If you notice these effects becoming troublesome, stop using the product. You may not tolerate it well, and it could even be damaging your teeth.
You should check with your dentist to find out what products they recommend that you use or should avoid so you do not cause any permanent damage. Your dentist will be able to tell you which products will be most effective for you.
The fastest way to get a whiter smile is to see your dentist for a consultation. Most surface discoloration has deeper causes. Therefore, it is important to consult a dentist to nip the problem in the bud before it becomes an issue. Be smart, and consult a dentist about your teeth whitening regiment.
Use a whitening floss to help whiten the area in between your teeth. Most don’t notice that we do get stains in between our teeth as well as on the front. The use of whitening floss will help remove those stains. Flossing regularly will also help your gums get healthier which will contribute to your beautiful smile.
Learn to brush properly to get a whiter smile. You should be holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gums and then using a circular motion to brush your teeth with instead of the back and forward motion you were taught. To make sure you don’t scrub too hard, hold the brush like you would a pencil.
Eat natural “brushing” food. The most common natural “toothbrush” that you can eat is an apple. The texture helps to eliminate stains on your teeth. Other foods that can help scrub your teeth are veggies like celery and raw carrots and snacks like popcorn. Eat them at the end of your meal if you cannot brush at that time.
If you have or are planning on getting Invisalign to enhance your smile, I recommend that you wait until after your treatment to start whitening your teeth. If you do this, you can save hundreds of dollars on the whitening process by using your Invisalign aligners as trays for your whitening gel.
If you want whiter teeth, avoid drinking coffee. Coffee drinkers often stain their teeth a deep yellow color. Removing these stains can be very difficult, costly, and time consuming. Keeping your teeth white in the first place is the surest way to guarantee a sparkling smile for years to come.
Although brushing your teeth is a good thing, do not do it too often if you want white teeth. By over brushing, you could wear away the enamel of your teeth which can cause discoloration. Most dentists recommend it is best to brush your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed.
Quit smoking if you want whiter teeth. Smoking destroys the enamel on your teeth. What is left behind is brown or yellow teeth. Even if you pay for an expensive dental whitening, your smile won’t gleam for long if you smoke. Quit smoking for your health, but also for your appearance. You’ll be happy that you did.
Establish a tooth care routine. You want to brush your teeth at least two times per day; this helps remove the accumulation of plaque, which plays a large role in turning your teeth yellow. If you get into the habit of brushing your teeth at certain times of the day, you are more likely to be consistent with your routine.
There is a whole universe of products out there for whitening your teeth. While it is important to keep using preventative care practices, even the best maintained teeth can eventually discolor. The tips provided in the article above will give you a smile you can be proud of.
