Having a healthy-looking, brilliant smile can take years off of your appearance. Because of wear and tear, the aging process, and lifestyle choices that we make can all take a toll on the color of our teeth. Many Americans have opted to select one of the many options available for teeth whitening.
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.
Use mouthwash sparingly as it can add to discoloration of the teeth. Many mouthwashes contain alcohol or other stain causing chemicals. These can also be absorbed into the soft tissues in the mouth under the tongue and into your system. If you can avoid them altogether, this is the better option.
When using a teeth whitening kit be sure to follow the directions exactly as they are written. Do not think that if you leave it on longer that you are going to see better results. It can irritate your gums and could lead to some really serious problems down the road. The directions are there to be followed.
Make a habit of hanging onto a travel-sized toothbrush so you are ready to deal with eating sticky, sugary treats. For good oral hygiene, be sure to wash away sugary, starchy debris right away. After you eat the sweet treat, brush your teeth for two minutes. You don’t even need toothpaste, so long as you brush your teeth thoroughly and swish a generous amount of water afterward.
Make sure you follow all instructions on any teeth whitening products to ensure they work properly. Teeth whitening products can have a corrosive or damaging effect on tooth enamel, gums and even nerves. Avoid pain by using the products you purchase exactly as described by the instructions. After completing a whitening session, avoid acidic drinks like coffee and soda. These beverages may have a chemical interaction with your whitening product.
Dark beverages and cigarettes stain your teeth. These all stain teeth a brownish color. If you absolutely must drink tea or coffee, consider using a straw as this will avoid contact with your teeth. Don’t forget to brush your teeth immediately afterwards. Many times people will have discolored teeth from tobacco, tea and coffee.
Drink less tea and coffee. Tea and coffee are both horrible for your teeth. They stain them, leaving them slightly brown or dull. Try to cut down on your tea and coffee consumption. If you do not want to cut back, rinse your mouth out thoroughly after you are done drinking.
Eat more strawberries. Strawberries are great for whitening your teeth. You can ever go so far as to mash them up into a paste. You can use this paste to whiten your teeth. Apply the paste to your teeth and leave it there for about five minutes before rinsing out your mouth.
If you have gum disease, a gum infection or unfilled cavities, consult with your family doctor or dentist before using any teeth whitening products. Certain chemicals can make you gum or tooth problem worse. Have any tooth or gum problems fixed or treated before you use any tooth whitening chemicals or procedures.
Schedule regular appointments to have your teeth cleaned. Yearly appointments for teeth cleanings are recommended. Many people do who do not visit the dentist on a regular basis are quick to buy harsh chemicals to whiten their teeth later. Avoid stained teeth and harsh chemicals completely by having your teeth cleaned at the dentist at least once a year.
Strawberries, among other fruits, work as excellent teeth whiteners. Eat them regularly and make sure to bite into them with your front teeth to reap the benefits of their teeth-whitening properties. Another way to utilize strawberries to whiten teeth is to mash them in a paste, apply and leave on for 5 minutes. Make sure to rinse thoroughly afterward to remove the sugars.
Try to change your toothbrush or the head of your electric toothbrush, every two to three months, for a whiter smile. If you do not, the bacteria that is in your mouth collects on the brush and then you keep distributing that back into your mouth, every time you use it.
Brush and floss at least a twice a day. This will help to prevent a buildup of plaque, which can discolor your teeth. It is also a good idea to carry floss with you, that way you can floss anytime after you eat. Paying special attention to your teeth will help to prevent staining.
Prior to using any teeth whitening products that you can buy at the store, you should talk to your dentist about his advice first. He or she can work with you to decide the best course of action, including possible side effects of different treatments.
Peroxide is one of the most popular home remedies for whitening teeth. To use peroxide, brush your teeth like normal, and then swish with peroxide afterward. Another way to use peroxide is to dip a cotton ball in the peroxide and rub it on your teeth. You should see results in a couple weeks.
Whether you choose to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home, or as you relax at the dentist’s office, you will no doubt be pleased with the results! A tremendous amount of what we look like has to do with our smile, so go treat yourself!
