Teeth whitening can be difficult to approach, as discolored teeth can be a turnoff. Despite how bad it may look, not everyone can afford an expensive dentist bill to whiten their smile. This article offers simple and practical guidelines for getting a whiter, brighter smile.
Using a home whitening remedy may not be the best idea when trying to whiten your teeth. If you are thinking about using home products, such as lemon, ash, or baking soda, you may want to reconsider. Using these home remedies can damage your teeth in the long run.
Make sure that you brush your teeth and floss daily after every meal. Flossing and brushing prevents the buildup of unwanted plaque which also discolors your teeth. Plaque is something you want to avoid at all costs and carrying floss with you can greatly help. Focusing on your teeth can assist in preventing discoloration and damage, keeping you healthy for the long term.
Before beginning any kind of a teeth whitening program, be sure to visit your dentist and have a thorough cleaning and check up. This could actually be all that you need for a nice, white smile. It will also allow your dentist to check your gums because these whitening treatments should not be used when the gums are inflamed.
A great way to whiten your teeth is to use tooth whitening strips. Usually you will use these once or twice a day to both the top and the bottom. Leave it on for the appointed time then take it off. In a few weeks you should be a few shades whiter.
Avoid constant snacking through the day. If you need to have a snack, grab some fresh fruits or vegetables. They are very good for you and are going to cause far less damage to your teeth than many other kinds of junk food would. You should still take the time to rinse well with water when you are done.
One of the most effective ways to naturally whiten your teeth is to use a mixture of lemon juice and salt. You can make this up and keep it in a jar in your bathroom and use it a few times a week. Be sure to rinse your mouth out thoroughly after you are done to prevent damage from the acids in the lemon juice.
If you have grey teeth, and you whitened them, you probably will not be happy with the results. Teeth whitening only works will with a persons natural teeth that appear to be a shade of brown or yellow. If your teeth are very discolored, you might have to engage in multiple treatments to achieve the look you want.
To ensure a high level of comfort, find a whitening tray that fits comfortably on your teeth. If the tray does not sit well in the mouth, the whitening chemicals can affect the gums, which causes them to get irritated. Stop using the teeth whitening product that caused this to happen regardless of any benefit you may find.
It is very easy to become “addicted” to whitening your teeth. Overuse of whitening products, especially those with bleach, can have an adverse effect on your teeth and gums. Once you have reached your white level, continue with touch-ups once a month. Multiple bleaching treatments should only be done once or twice a year.
Avoid using toothpaste and drinking water that has been treated with fluoride. Although the United States still allows it, many other countries have actually banned treating drinking water with fluoride due to the unknown potential hazards it can cause. Recent studies have shown that fluoride can actually discolor or stain your teeth.
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.
Avoid harsh chemicals by using natural teeth whiteners as opposed to store bought whiteners. Not only are natural whiteners much less expensive than whitening systems from the store, most options also have side benefits. Natural whiteners such as raw fruits and vegetables provide your body with nutrients while whitening your teeth.
To get a whiter smile, try gargling with apple cider vinegar. Try doing this every morning before you brush your teeth. The vinegar acts as a stain remover, but it also helps kill harmful bacteria and is a natural whitener. It can even get right in between gums and teeth to remove bacteria and stains.
As you now know, there are some simple steps you can take to make your teeth whiter by yourself. You don’t need to spend a lot of time or money whitening your teeth, and the advice above shows you how to do that. No matter how you decide to whiten your teeth, make sure you practice good oral hygiene on a daily basis, not only to keep your teeth and gums healthy but to maintain your bright, white smile.
