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What Are Some Tips on Getting Your Teeth Whiter?

If your tight-lipped smiles and supply of red lipstick isn't working to hide how yellow you feel your teeth are, it may be time to take a look at whitening them. Teeth are naturally a little yellow due to the calcium that helps to keep them strong, but when teeth begin to look noticeably yellow it's often the result of staining.

  1. Hygiene Tips

    • While brushing your teeth twice daily may seem obvious, it's an integral part of eliminating and preventing stains. Use a soft or medium bristle brush and don't scrub too hard. Brushing your teeth with too much force can damage the enamel, and once it's damaged it won't grow back. It can be helpful to brush after each meal to avoid allowing food debris time to stain your teeth. Consider purchasing an electric toothbrush as it can help to eliminate more stain-causing plaque.

    Whitening Products

    • Just walking through the dental hygiene section of your local grocery you will likely come across numerous products boasting their teeth whitening capabilities. From strips to place over your teeth for a set amount of time to mouthwashes, toothpastes and paints, it can be a little overwhelming. Take the time to read labels to decide which option is the most practical for your lifestyle and budget. Make sure that the product you choose has an ADA (American Dental Association) approval on it. Talk to your dentist if you have any questions regarding certain products.

    Natural Whitening Ideas

    • Make your own toothpaste with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to gently scrub away stubborn stains. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that won't scratch your teeth if used for stain removal. Regular usage may irritate your gums, so brush with this mixture only up to two to three times a week. Many over-the-counter teeth-whitening products use both these ingredients, and by mixing it on your own, you can avoid the commercial brand costs. Certain foods can also give your teeth a whitening boost such as strawberries, carrots and celery.

    Things to Avoid

    • Well, maybe not avoid, but at least be aware that certain foods and beverages are more likely to stain your teeth than others. Coffee, tea and wine are notorious for leaving stains. If you aren't ready to give up your morning coffee just yet, make sure to brush afterward. Smoking can also lead to unsightly stains on tooth enamel.

    See Your Dentist

    • Don't skip out on your annual cleaning, especially if you want to keep your teeth white. Your dentist can help you to remove stains that your own efforts couldn't. Talk to your dentist about professional options for whiter teeth such as bleaching and veneers.

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