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So you have a big event coming up and you know that there are sure to be photos. You’re tired of covering your mouth when you smile in photos, but what else can you do when you’re embarrassed about your discolored smile?
Keep in mind that no one is going to notice the color of your teeth aside from you, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t make some changes to boost your self-esteem.
We’re here to talk about how to get white teeth so you’ll have a smile that you love to show off. Read on to learn more!
Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks
Unfortunate but true: you can accidentally stain your teeth (and you likely already have).
When your teeth first come in, they’re not quite pearly white, but they’re pretty close. As you get older, you eat and drink new foods, and you falter a bit with your oral hygiene, your teeth get less white over time.
One way to prevent discoloration is to avoid any foods or drinks that may stain your teeth. Eat them in moderation and make sure to rinse your mouth with water afterward so you can rinse away most of the color.
So what do you need to avoid?
Unfortunately, some healthy foods can cause staining. Berries, for example, can stain your teeth regardless of how good they are for you.
Red wine is a major culprit for staining, much to the chagrin of people who love their nightly glass of merlot or malbec.
Even worse, coffee and tea can stain your teeth. If you’re in need of a morning caffeine boost every day, keep your drinks to a minimum and brush a few minutes after to avoid any long-term damage.
Quit Smoking
Do you smoke or otherwise use tobacco (including chewing tobacco)? If so, this is your sign to stop.
Tobacco is terrible for your health. It can lead to serious issues, such as lung cancer and oral cancer. Less seriously, it can (and will) stain your teeth an unpleasant brown color.
If you want to keep your teeth as white as possible, it’s time to do something great for your health (and your teeth) and drop the cigarettes. Your body will thank you and you’ll have a shiny white smile to show off.
Visit Your Dentist for Regular Appointments
You’re supposed to visit your dentist for regular appointments at least twice per year. This is just for cleanings and check-ups. So what does this have to do with whitening your teeth?
When you visit your dentist and get a professional cleaning, you’ll have better oral hygiene. Your dentist will also be able to tell you if they notice any potential problems (which could lead to discolored teeth in the future).
Skipping appointments isn’t only bad for your dental health. It’s also bad for the appearance of your (otherwise healthy) teeth!
Be Careful With “At-Home” Natural Remedies
There are plenty of people online who will try to lure you in with “natural” teeth whitening tips. While some of them may technically work, they’re not all safe for your teeth. Having white teeth is useless if those teeth aren’t in good condition.
Let’s talk about a few natural remedies.
First, oil pulling. Oil pulling is when you put oil in your mouth (usually coconut oil) and swish it around for a few minutes before spitting it out. Does this make your teeth whiter?
There’s no real evidence that oil pulling is beneficial when it comes to whitening your teeth. The texture of the oil is also offputting and you’re not supposed to spit oil down the drain, so this isn’t a good idea.
Some people use lemon juice and baking soda.
Lemon juice does have the potential to somewhat bleach your teeth, but because it’s acidic, it can cause more harm than good. Baking soda is a common ingredient in whitening toothpastes, but if you use a homemade baking soda paste, it may be too abrasive for your teeth (which can also cause damage).
In short, avoid any of those “natural” remedies online.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
This might seem obvious, but you need to maintain good oral hygiene if you want to have pearly white teeth. Having discolored teeth doesn’t mean that you don’t have healthy teeth and gums, but not caring for your teeth could lead to them being less white than you’d like.
You should brush at least twice per day (though some people brush after every meal). Floss at least once per day. Consider using mouthwash to make your teeth as clean and white as possible.
Visit a Cosmetic Dentist
If your teeth still aren’t as white as you’d like them to be, visit a cosmetic dentist to help! Both general and cosmetic dentists, like The Bondi Dentists, have a variety of options that can make your teeth look better than ever.
For most people, getting occasional professional whitening treatments is more than enough to keep their beautiful teeth in pearly white condition. If you have severe discoloration, though, consider getting veneers. They’re more expensive, but they give you a clean slate.
Maintain White Teeth With At-Home Treatment Options
Once your teeth are white, focus on maintenance. You can get at-home whitening treatment from your dentist or you can buy whitening strips over-the-counter at most pharmacies.
Keep in mind that these treatments may soften your enamel, so use them sparingly. They’re great for touching up your teeth in between appointments with your dentist.
That’s How to Get White Teeth
Now that you know how to get white teeth, what are you waiting for? Use these tips to get the shiny white smile that you’ve been wanting. Visit a dentist to talk about your whitening options today.
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