There are many reasons why people get their teeth whitened. For some, it may be to get rid of the long-term staining caused by a lot of tea, coffee, and wine drinking. For others, it may be to reduce discoloration caused by plaque, oral health problems, or tartar.
People also get their teeth whitened for special occasions. Perhaps you have an upcoming anniversary, wedding, graduation, or birthday that requires you to look great. White teeth ensure that your smile is bright enough to enhance your overall look.
Smiling has a lot of social and health benefits. It becomes even better if your teeth look great and healthy. A great smile could improve your overall performance at an interview, reduce your signs of aging, and even boost self-confidence.
Below are 7 ways in which you can get whiter teeth.
- Fruits and vegetables
A study by the Padjadjaran Journal of Dentistry discovered that strawberries and strawberry juice can help whiten teeth. They are natural teeth whiteners that can help reverse the stains caused by coffee. According to celebrity dentist Dr. Richard Marques, strawberries carry malic acid, a substance that naturally whitens teeth. The same applies to apples as they contain a lot of water on top of malic acid. The water helps to wash away residue and leftover foods that may be left on teeth. Marques goes on to add that crunchy and hard vegetables like celery and carrots also cleanse teeth naturally.
- Eat cheese
Cheese contains natural minerals that strengthen your enamel. The calcium in cheese helps to clean and whiten teeth. According to Marques, the whiter the cheese, the better. Cheddar is one of the most effective cheeses out there. It contains cleansing properties under its hard structure that enhances the cleansing effect. Softer cheese like blue or brie cheese don’t have the same effect. They may help but are not as effective as a harder cheese.
- Oral hygiene
The simplest way to achieve and maintain white teeth is by practicing good oral hygiene. Experts advise brushing for at least 4 minutes a day. Two minutes in the morning and two minutes in the evening. According to the British Dental Association’s scientific adviser, Prof Damien Walmsley, if you can get yourself a powered toothbrush, the better. There’s evidence that these toothbrushes use a good teeth cleaning technique. Walmsley goes on to add that if you already have a technique that works for you, you may not need to change. Consider reaching the farthest corners in your mouth while placing the toothbrush at 45 degrees to your gums. Use mouthwash and flossing to get better results.
- Use baking soda toothpaste
A study done in 2011 found that baking soda kinds of toothpaste were more effective than an ordinary silica-based toothpaste. They had a better whitening effect and were more capable of preventing stains. You can either mix a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water or apply the baking soda directly to your teeth using your toothbrush. However, do this occasionally. Using too much baking soda regularly can cause damage to the enamel since the substance is abrasive.
- Oil pulling
Oil pulling was first used by Indians to remove toxins from the body and improve oral hygiene. Locals would swish oil in their mouths to fight bacteria. The main ingredients used were sesame and sunflower oil. Today, almost any oil will work. One of the most popular choices is coconut oil. It gives a pleasant taste and is very effective in reducing inflammation. Several studies have shown that oil pulling on a daily basis reduces plaque, bacteria and the chances of contracting gingivitis. Take one tablespoon of coconut oil daily and push it all over your teeth. Many people have confirmed getting brighter and whiter teeth after doing this.
- Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent that is widely used to kill oral bacteria. It is also used to protect wounds against infections. Many whitening products contain high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide for maximum effectiveness. For teeth, most people use the chemical mixed with other substances such as baking soda. A study found that toothpaste with 1% hydrogen peroxide and baking soda were significantly effective in whitening teeth. Another found that brushing with these toothpaste whitened teeth by up to 62% in a span of two weeks. However, high amounts of hydrogen peroxide and its overuse can lead to gum irritation and tooth sensitivity.
- Visit your dentist
If your teeth are heavily stained, consider visiting a dentist to get professional help. Dentists use controlled amounts of bleach to whiten teeth. They also take all the necessary precautions while doing it to ensure that the process is safe and successful. Sunnybank Hills Dentist ApertureDental recommends visiting a qualified dentist rather than a beauty salon. Also, avoid ordering bleaching products online as these may contain high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide.
