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.
If you have gum disease or untreated cavities in your mouth, be cautious before undergoing any teeth whitening procedures. You could end up damaging your teeth even further or just end up wasting money on a procedure that won’t work. You should consult with your dentist before undergoing the procedure.
There is no real evidence that teeth whitening products will harm a baby during pregnancy or nursing. You should play it safe and avoid taking any chances. There is no reason to risk your baby’s health just to have a whiter smile. Go to your dentist and have a good cleaning done.
If you are using a bleach or bleach alternative in your whitening process, be careful not to over do it. Too much bleaching can be harmful to your teeth. It is also important to know that if used too much you can pass the whitening stage and create a “blue” color to your smile from over-bleaching. Be cautious when using bleaching products.
If you are a smoker, you are going to have a constant battle trying to keep your teeth white. If you are that worried about a white smile, you are going to need to quit or at least cut down in the amount that you are smoking. It will be a never ending battle if you continue to smoke heavily.
Avoid water and toothpaste with fluoride in it. It has been found that it can cause discoloration of the teeth. There are several countries that have banned it from drinking water because it has been connected to disease and symptoms there. If you need to take fluoride, use the capsules.
Once you eliminate the stains on your teeth with a teeth whitening treatment, you do not have to repeat the process too often. Really if you do not consume a lot of coffee, smoke or drink large amounts of wine, you may only have to touch up the whiteness as little as once a year.
Don’t use products with fluoride in them such as drinking water or toothpaste. Fluoride is known to cause stains on your teeth and it should be avoided at all costs if you are trying to keep your teeth white. Check the labels on your toothpaste before you buy it to make sure it doesn’t have fluoride.
Use strawberries as a natural way to whiten your teeth! Strawberries have gained the reputation as an effective teeth whitener. Cut a strawberry in half and rub it on your teeth. You can also mash it into a paste and brush your teeth with it. Wait a few minutes after you are done before rinsing. This will leave more time for the juice to act.
You can make your own whitening toothpaste with some peroxide and baking soda. Try brushing your teeth with the solution for between 5-10 minutes. Be sure not to brush your teeth too hard because it can irritate your gums.
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.
Floss your teeth. You should floss thoroughly at least twice a day. Flossing removes food and helps to fight the build-up of plaque. Most people do not bother to floss at all. Neglecting to do so can damage your teeth. To keep them looking their best, remember to floss.
If you’re considering having your teeth whitened, talk to your dentist first. While some stains and discoloration are easily treated by bleaching, others won’t respond as well. Bleaching also won’t work if you have caps, crowns, or similar types of dental work. Discussing teeth whitening with your dentist will prepare you for potential problems and help you figure out the best way to treat your teeth.
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.
Avoid using mouthwashes that have added coloring are are mass-marketed in stores. It is possible that your teeth may be discolored as a result of long-term use. Many of them use alcohol as a main ingredient. Alcohol can dry out your tongue and gums, and can cause further complication when it hits your bloodstream.
If you truly desire a whiter smile, you might want to rethink your dietary choices. Anything red, brown, or dark is almost guaranteed to stain your teeth. So is smoking. If you cannot limit or eradicate these items from your diet, try brushing after every meal, or even eating an apple!
A great at-home product that you can use to get whiter teeth is a strawberry. The natural ingredients in strawberries have been proven to whiten teeth. You can cut the strawberry in half and use the part without the stem to rub on your teeth. Rinse it off after 5 minutes.
Have realistic expectations of what you will get from the teeth whitening method you choose. You could set yourself up for disappointment if you expect any one method to be a miracle cure. Many factors play into the results you get, including your age and the extent to which your teeth are discolored. You should talk to your dentist so you know what to expect.
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!
