Who wouldn’t like to have a Hollywood smile? It doesn’t only make you look more attractive, but it also indicates that you have good health. If you want to have pearly white teeth, you should make an effort. One way would be to consider cosmetic dentistry services in charlotte.
There are a lot of factors that can cause your teeth to lose their sparkle and become dull. Teeth can get discoloured from years of smoking, drinking red wine, coffee and tea. Carbonated beverages and certain foods (e.g. tomatoes, pickles, citrus fruit) can also contribute to discolouration.
If you are tired of hiding your yellow teeth, consider whitening them. The experts in the American Dentist Association (ADA) state that most whitening products on the market are safe to use.
Here is what you need to do in order to get whiter teeth:
Visit your dentist
According to the cosmetic dentist Kate Brayman who provides premium teeth whitening service in New York, visiting a dentist before whitening your teeth is a must. Even if you are planning to do the procedure at home, you should make sure you don’t have any dental issues such as cavities. Different dental problems may affect whitening. For instance, your teeth may be too sensitive for some home remedies (e.g. baking soda, electric toothbrush, etc.).
Your dentist can also recommend you in-clinic laser teeth whitening so that you can see the effect in less than an hour. Don’t hesitate to ask your dentist to provide you with a list of methods for teeth whitening. A professional dentist will be able to find the right way for you based on the type of discolouration you have and your dental history (including crowns and fillings).
Dr Kate Brayman recommends getting a dental checkup every six months.
Baking soda
In 2017, the Journal of the American Dental Association published a research study entitled, “Stain removal and whitening by baking soda dentifrice”. Researchers proved that it is totally safe to remove stains with baking soda. They also found out that baking soda can fight bacteria and reduce plaque.
To use baking soda effectively, wipe your teeth with a clean, dry towel at first. Then, dip your wet toothbrush into baking soda and start brushing your teeth for about three minutes.
It’s recommended to use baking soda once per week only. That’s how you can prevent the protective enamel from wearing down.
Dietary changes
If you want to keep your teeth white, reconsider what you are eating. Some beverages and foods can stain the teeth. Here is a list of what you need to eliminate:
Lemon juice
Red wine
Beetroot
Balsamic vinegar
Tea
Coffee
Carry
Cherries
Tomato sauce
Soy sauce
In case this list includes something you can’t stop eating or drinking, make sure to chew a sugar-free whitening gum after consuming these items. The gum can help to absorb newly-formed stains.
The good news is that there are a lot of foods that can help you whiten your teeth naturally. Here are some of them: strawberries, apples, carrots, celery, pineapples, oranges, milk, cheese and natural yoghurt.
Whitening strips
You can find whitening strips that contain peroxide gel; they will help to bleach your teeth. Make sure not to buy whitening strips that contain chlorine dioxide (this ingredient can damage the enamel, but some brands still include it).
It’s recommended to use the whitening strips once in the morning and once in the evening over a two week period.
You can purchase them in the supermarket or local drugstore. The process of using the whitening strips is pretty straightforward. You will need to apply one strip to the bottom teeth, and the other to the top teeth and leave them for half an hour.
Whitening pen
Whitening pens also contain hydrogen peroxide that can bleach your teeth. To use it, you will need to apply the gel on your teeth and keep your mouth open until it dries off. Don’t eat anything for about an hour after using the whitening pen.
If you want to purchase a whitening pen, choose the brand from a reputed manufacturer. Dentists recommend to use it at least twice per day for a month in order to see the results.
Maintaining good oral hygiene
To reduce tooth yellowing, you will have to maintain excellent oral hygiene. Make sure to brush your teeth twice per day and use fluoride toothpaste (it can help reverse tooth decay). Flossing can also be beneficial for your teeth.
The bottom line
To whiten your teeth, you should get regular dental checkups. Feel free to ask your dentist to recommend you whitening methods based on your dental history.
You will have to reconsider your daily diet since some beverages and foods can stain the teeth. Also, consider using whitening strips and pen that contain hydrogen peroxide.
Besides all these steps, make sure to maintain excellent oral hygiene and visit the dentist twice per year.
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