A brighter, whiter smile is what half of America is searching for. Some have found it, some have not. The key is not in these high dollar teeth whitening treatments that you can buy at the store; the key is in how you take care of your teeth by what you eat, drink, and if you properly clean them. Below are some tips on what to avoid and what to take up when trying to whiten your teeth.
To keep your teeth looking as bright as possible, you will want to cut back on cigarettes, red wine, coffee, etc. If you can’t give up your coffee and other drinks known to cause staining, you may want to consider drinking them through a straw, so these beverages don’t come in contact with your teeth.
An easy way to keep teeth whitened is to brush after consuming something that tends to stain teeth. Common culprits are coffee, sodas, wines, teas, berries, and sweets. If you brush immediately after consuming these items, you prevent the stain from setting into your teeth. This will help you to keep your teeth white without having to resort to expensive treatments.
When you are whitening your teeth, remember that there are limitations to what it can do. If you have had extensive dental treatments like caps, bridges or crowns, these will not be whitened by the treatment that you are using. You will have to have this work replaced to match your new whiter smile.
Beverages that contain acid or carbonation are best drunk with a straw to help keep your teeth white. By using a straw you can divert the beverages past the teeth and prevent some of the staining potential. Try not to fill your mouth with beverage when drinking as this will defeat the purpose of the straw.
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.
Drink beverages known to stain teeth with a straw. If beverages you drink are known to stain your teeth and you must have them, then drink them through a straw. This will ensure the drink isn’t in direct contact with your teeth causing stains. This will keep your teeth whiter longer.
Electric toothbrushes are really going to help you win the battle against yellow teeth. The pulsating brushes will eliminate your plaque more effectively than a traditional brush will and that will keep your teeth looking whiter. This will also help you fight gingivitis and cavities better than the traditional brush will.
Make appointments regularly with a dentist to routinely have your teeth cleaned. When you have your teeth cleaned professionally, you can be sure that stains and built up tartar will be removed safely and completely. This helps in whitening your teeth, and it also works against gum disease and cavities.
To prevent teeth whiteners from bleaching your gums along with your teeth, rub a small bit of petroleum jelly on your gums before using whitening products. The petroleum jelly provides a protective coating that will help stop the active ingredients in topical whiteners from also bleaching your gums along with your teeth.
Remember to get your teeth cleaned by your dentist. Most people skip out on teeth cleanings. They don’t want to spend the time or money. However, you should really make sure to get your teeth cleaned about twice a year. Doing this will make your teeth considerably whiter without any added effort on your part.
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.
Avoid using toothpastes that contain fluoride. Experts have found that fluoride can leave your teeth discolored and stained. However, it is still used as a major ingredient in many toothpastes and teeth-cleaning products. Look at the ingredients carefully when choosing a toothpaste. Try to avoid any that list fluoride as an ingredient.
Removing plaque is essential to whitening your teeth and the best method for ridding yourself of plaque is to use an electric toothbrush. Plaque creates a good surface for stains to build on. Electric toothbrushes are recommended by most dentists due to their ability to break up plaque and remove the stains that are associated with it.
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.
If you are drinking something that will stain your teeth like wine or cranberry juice, make sure to drink it through a straw. The straw will help keep the liquids from being able to adhere to your enamel causing stains. Make sure that you still brush your teeth afterwards to make sure all of the stain causing material is gone.
As previously stated, white teeth are in high demand by most of America. There are costly ways to go about whitening your teeth, then there are smart ways. Of course, the smart ways are best. The costly ways may be easier, but could hurt your teeth in the long run, not to mention your bank account. If you follow the aforementioned teeth-whitening tips, then you should be well on your way to achieving those beautiful pearly whites you have always dreamed of.