Smoking. Coffee. Red wine. Soda. Tea. Antibiotics. The effects of aging.
There are many, many things that can keep you from having the bright, white smile you want. Even citrus fruits, such as oranges, and berries with strong colors (blueberries, blackberries, and others) can cause problems. Additionally, people simply have different natural shades of whiteness for their teeth.
Thankfully, there are almost as many things that you can do to help whiten your teeth. Some of them are natural, while others are medical in nature. All have pros and cons.
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of different remedies you can use to keep your teeth white and remove stains.
A Comprehensive Look at Different Teeth Whitening Remedies
Timely brushing.
You can minimize stains from eating and drinking by brushing your teeth immediately afterward. Carrying a toothbrush with you everywhere may not be convenient, but it definitely helps.
Apple cider vinegar.
It can help in removing stains. Apply with your finger and rub around your teeth for about a minute. Then rinse thoroughly. Be careful though. If you don’t rinse or do it too much, the acid can remove your enamel, too. Lemon and orange peels work similarly.
Coconut oil pulling.
Apply coconut oil to your teeth. Or swish it around your mouth for somewhere between 5 and 20 minutes. Rinse.
Use a hydrogen peroxide/baking soda mix.
Studies have shown that both of these substances can help with oral hygiene, but they are also able to whiten your teeth. Simply create a smooth mix, rub it on your teeth for about 30 seconds, and rinse for a brighter smile.
Activated charcoal.
If you brush it onto stains, it will absorb plaque and other microscopic things that lead to staining. Only use it 2 to 3 times a week, and thoroughly rinse and spit afterward until saliva is clear.
Chemical and Medical Whitening Options
Toothpastes.
There are plenty of whitening toothpastes you can pick up right off the shelf that have been approved by the ADA. Typically, these toothpastes contain some kind of abrasive material designed to remove stains from your teeth’s enamel.
Over-the-counter kits.
Beyond toothpaste, you will also find whitening kits readily available at many stores. They generally use whitening gels or strips that adhere to your teeth and are meant to be used over a period of weeks.
Professional dental gels.
Have your teeth whitened by our dentist and you’ll get a stronger substance (most often a gel) that is better able to remove stains and whiten teeth. Moreover, dentists can speed up the process by activating the substance with a special laser.
Interior whitening.
If your teeth are dark because you’ve undergone a root canal, whitening the outside of your teeth won’t work – your dentist actually has to whiten them from the inside out. The process involves putting a whitening agent inside the tooth and placing a temporary filling over it for several days. If needed, the procedure can be repeated multiple times.
As you can see, there are many options to help you attain the white, bright smile you want. Which method is right for you depends on your comfort level, the nature of your teeth and dental health, and how white you want your teeth to be.
Before starting any type of whitening process, the best thing to do is talk with your dentist to learn about the options and their recommendations. Right now at South Florida Dental Care, we’re offering a special on take-home whitening treatments – just $295 until July 31st!
