A brighter, whiter smile is what half of America is searching for. Some have found it, some have not. The key is not in these high dollar teeth whitening treatments that you can buy at the store; the key is in how you take care of your teeth by what you eat, drink, and if you properly clean them. Below are some tips on what to avoid and what to take up when trying to whiten your teeth.
You should keep in mind that teeth whitening only works for your real, natural teeth. It will not work on any crowns, veneers, implants, or fillings you have in your mouth. So if you have a lot of these, it may not be worth the expense of trying to whiten your teeth.
Eating a diet with plenty of whole and raw foods is great for your teeth. Vegetables are great for helping clean your teeth. They also do not contain harsh processed ingredients that may stick to your teeth and cause unwanted tooth decay and discolorations.
Heavy smoking can in fact damage and stain your teeth. It helps to cut down on the amount of cigarettes you smoke each day or eliminate them out of your life completely. People who smoke have a harder time keeping their teeth clean than those who don’t.
While using a teeth whitening product, you may develop some sensitivity. It can be quite painful and may be a sign that it is causing damage to your teeth. If you experience sensitivity, discontinue use of the product and visit your dentist. He could recommend a type of product that won’t effect your teeth that way.
One of the most effective ways to naturally whiten your teeth is to use a mixture of lemon juice and salt. You can make this up and keep it in a jar in your bathroom and use it a few times a week. Be sure to rinse your mouth out thoroughly after you are done to prevent damage from the acids in the lemon juice.
Use dried, crushed holy basil leaves to whiten your teeth. This is a known method for naturally whitening your teeth and is very effective. It is also very good for your keeping your gums healthy. This is a great way to whiten your teeth and has positive oral health benefits.
If you want a beautiful smile, you should avoid certain drinks that can leave stains on your teeth. Colas, coffee and black tea are a few of these beverages. If you were to drink these kinds of beverages, it is a good practice to alternately sip water as you drink them.
If you have soft enamel, you can harden it after meals by eating cheese. Research shows that calcium from cheese and other dairy products can rebuild teeth enamel. Enamel is the exterior of your teeth and it needs to be strong for healthy teeth; eat cheese a few times per week to supplement your calcium and help your teeth stay white.
Eat more strawberries. Strawberries are great for whitening your teeth. You can ever go so far as to mash them up into a paste. You can use this paste to whiten your teeth. Apply the paste to your teeth and leave it there for about five minutes before rinsing out your mouth.
If you’re considering having your teeth whitened, talk to your dentist first. While some stains and discoloration are easily treated by bleaching, others won’t respond as well. Bleaching also won’t work if you have caps, crowns, or similar types of dental work. Discussing teeth whitening with your dentist will prepare you for potential problems and help you figure out the best way to treat your teeth.
As previously stated, white teeth are in high demand by most of America. There are costly ways to go about whitening your teeth, then there are smart ways. Of course, the smart ways are best. The costly ways may be easier, but could hurt your teeth in the long run, not to mention your bank account. If you follow the aforementioned teeth-whitening tips, then you should be well on your way to achieving those beautiful pearly whites you have always dreamed of.