Are you embarrassed by your smile? Do your teeth look yellow in the mirror? Getting a brighter smile can help improve your self-confidence, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot. Here are some tips for getting a brighter, whiter smile.
Brush and Floss Your Teeth Often
Your dentist has probably told you that you should be brushing your teeth three times a day and after every meal. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and especially after drinking or eating is especially effective at keeping your smile bright and white. The minimum number of times you should brush your teeth every day is two.
Make sure you have a good toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes are especially effective, particularly for people with gum disease. Remember, toothbrushes get worn out over time, so replace your toothbrush every couple of months.
Avoid Foods and Substances that Stain your Teeth
Certain foods and substances will darken your teeth or stain them yellow, including coffee teas, sodas, red wine, some berries, and tobacco products.
If you absolutely can’t give up your coffee, make sure you brush your teeth within thirty minutes after your morning Joe. Rinse well with mouthwash after brushing.
Perhaps the worst culprit for causing yellow teeth is tobacco. Not only does it stain your teeth, but it also causes fine wrinkles around your mouth and gives you horrible breath. There are lots of good products to help you stop smoking or chewing tobacco, including over-the-counter chewing gums and prescription medicines. Dropping your tobacco habit will not only give you a brighter smile, it will also make you much healthier and save you lots of money every year.
Use Teeth Whiteners
A surefire way to get a brighter smile is by getting your teeth whitened. Teeth whitening is the process of having bleach applied to your teeth to remove yellow and brown stains. The most common bleaching product is hydrogen peroxide. Most dentist offices offer teeth whitening services, but you can also buy over-the-counter teeth whitening products. Many kinds of toothpaste also boast teeth-whitening properties, although the whiteners in toothpaste are relatively weak compared to other teeth-whitening products.
If you get your teeth whitened at the dentist, it could cost between $200 and $800. Teeth whitening in the dentist’s office is often far more effective than using an over-the-counter product because the dentist can use a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide.
Consider Getting Veneers
Tooth veneers are custom-made, thin shells that cover the front part of a person’s tooth. They’re typically made from porcelain, ceramic materials, or dental resin. Veneers give teeth a smoother, whiter look. Because veneers are considered cosmetic, they’re not covered by insurance, and they can be expensive. Talk to your dentist to see if veneers might be a good option for you.
Don’t Ignore Your Dentist
It’s very important to visit your dentist at least every six months. Even if you’re an avid brusher and flosser, getting your teeth cleaned at the dentist’s office is vital to removing tough plaque and stains that have accumulated over time. Plaque makes your teeth look yellow and dull.
If you skip the dentist for a long period of time, your gums could become inflamed by plaque build-up. If this happens, the dentist may have to perform two separate cleanings–one to clear off enough plaque to allow your gums to heal and stop swelling, and another some weeks later to perform the traditional cleaning. In short, avoiding the dentist could end up with you having to go there even more often.
Use Home Remedies
Although teeth whitening at a dentist’s office is the most effective way to get a whiter, brighter smile, some products already in your home can help with teeth whitening. First, try brushing with baking soda. Over time, this will help remove yellow and dark stains on your teeth. Baking soda also keeps bacteria from growing in your mouth.
Swishing hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash can also help whiten your teeth and remove stains. Never ever swallow it though, as large amounts can be poisonous. You could also mix it with baking soda to create a homemade toothpaste. Be careful, though, as using too much hydrogen peroxide can erode your tooth enamel.
Eating lots of fruits and vegetables and drinking lots of water can help give you a brighter smile. Eating crunchy vegetables helps remove plaque, and drinking water regularly cleanses your mouth. Avoiding sugar can also help, as a high-sugar diet can cause gum disease. Other home remedies that may have teeth-whitening properties include brushing with charcoal and rubbing banana, orange, or lemon peels on your teeth.
Contact Us Today
If you’re looking to get a whiter smile, schedule an appointment with Babylon Dental Care today at (631) 983-6665.
