Want whiter teeth? Have your smile lost its shinny appearance?
Naturally as we age, the color of our teeth becomes darker and less lustrous. Food stains, certain drugs, smoking and drinking are factors which contribute in teeth discoloration. Here are some secrets for brighter teeth:
1. Do it yourself!
Always, get rid of superficial teeth discoloration by yourself. A number of OTC (over the counter) teeth whitening products might be helpful. In fact, at-home whitening techniques; kits, strips, and whitening toothpastes can significantly lighten the stains in your teeth.
Home teeth whitening kits
These kits usually contain peroxide; this is mild bleach which can remove the deep as well as superficial stains from your teeth. Kits are most suitable for removing coffee stains.
Peroxide- based gel in teeth whitening kits can be applied to surface of stained teeth by 2 methods:
- A small brush
- A plastic tray which molds to your teeth, but you must wear this tray for 30 to 45minutes each day for 7 days or more according to the severity of the stains.
Home teeth whitening Strips
Tooth whitening strips are thin, invisible strips which are coated mild bleach (peroxide-based gel). You will have to put them directly on the surface of the stained teeth for a few minutes each day for a week or more. The results are pretty good and can last for nearly a year. The problems with whitening strips that they can’t follow the contour of the labial surface of the teeth so they will definitely miss the areas of contact between teeth, plus they are very difficult to be used in posterior teeth.
Teeth whitening toothpastes
Usually OTC whitening toothpastes, gels, and liquids will help you to get rid of superficial stains, they contain mild abrasives, peroxide, baking soda and polishing agents.
Home Remedies for teeth whitening
Some people, including myself, still prefer grandma home remedies for whiter teeth.
Gently brushing your teeth with some baking soda can change the color of your teeth completely. Also, eating some fibrous hard foods like apples, pears, celery, and carrots will enhance salivary flow which can effectively wash any stains from your teeth.
Be aware that whitening teeth too often will cause them to be more translucent and look blue. Do it moderately.
2. Fight teeth stains
Stop smoking….stop smoking…….stop smoking
When it comes to teeth staining, smoking is the villain. Nicotine leached from cigarette smoking can cause stains which will deeply penetrate the tooth structure causing hard stains. Besides, smoking causes halitosis, gingivitis, and increases the risk for oral carcinomas.
Watch what you eat and drink; some common foods can cause your teeth to be discolored. Generally, anything that will stain a white cotton piece of cloth can stain your teeth. Be careful of coffee, tea, dark soda, and some fruit juices. Also, deeply colored fruits and vegetables, like blueberries, blackberries, and beets can alter the bright color of your teeth.
After eating or drinking such foods; brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water.
Furthermore, recent dental researches have revealed that drinking sports drinks and bottled lemonade frequently can erode the lustrous enamel covering your teeth.
3. Avoid certain medications
Some drugs can cause your teeth to be permanently or temporarily stained, including:
- Taking Tetracycline antibiotics in childhood is one of the major causes of permanent staining of teeth
- Mouth washes containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride
- Antihistamines (drugs to treat allergies), antipsychotic drugs, and antihypertensive (treat elevated blood pressure)
- Ingestion of massive amounts of iron (to treat blood anemia) and excess fluoride (dental fluorosis)
4. Maintain your good oral hygiene
Regular tooth brushing (at least twice daily) and dental flossing are simple easy strategies for brighter teeth. Try electric and sonic toothbrushes; these are clinically proved to be more effective in removing plaque and surface teeth stains.
5. Visit your dentist regularly
Regular checkups and professional teeth whitening can definitely create the smile of your dreams.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I hate to admit it but I chew tobacco. My teeth have suffered as a result. They are yellow and I can tell that the enamel is thinning which makes me weary to use a whitening product as it will only deteriorate my enamel even more. I hate my teeth.