Thanks to a variety of factors, some that have nothing to do with how well a person takes care of their teeth, teeth can discolour over time and lose some of their natural radiance. Certain foods, beverages, plaque build-up, and smoking stain the enamel on the outermost layer of your teeth. While brushing and flossing can help keep some of this discolouration at bay, it does build up over time, especially if you are a coffee or tea drinker, and you may want your bright, white smile back. Here are ten ways to whiten your teeth, so they sparkle.
- Diet Changes
While changing your diet can not reverse any current staining on your teeth, it will prevent any further discolouration. Fruits and vegetables are great for keeping your teeth plaque free which helps with future discolouration. Avoiding coffee or tea and drinking juice or pop through a straw can also help.
- Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is a traditional Indian remedy for improving oral hygiene. You swish around one tablespoon of oil in your mouth, pushing and pulling the oil through your teeth. Do this for 15-20 minutes and then spit into a trash can so that the oil does not clog your pipes. Performing oil pulling can help reduce plaque and brighten your smile.
- Baking Soda
Brushing with a paste made of baking soda and water will help whiten your teeth with prolonged use. It also reduces bacteria in your mouth, which can cause further discolouration. Over time you will be able to buff surface stains away from your teeth.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
You can only use apple cider vinegar a couple of times a week, as using it more often can erode tooth enamel. Dilute it with water and swish around in your mouth for a few minutes. You do need to rinse your mouth afterward with water to protect your teeth.
- Hydrogen Peroxide
When you use hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash, make sure that you are using a 1.5-3% solution. Using anything more strong than this can cause irritation and sensitivity. You can also mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to make toothpaste. Limit use to a few times per week, and you will see results in around six weeks.
- Preventative Measures
To stop teeth from becoming stained then you will want to generally avoid a few foods. Coffee, black coffee, red wine, soda, and dark coloured berries are the big ones. While you can enjoy these every so often, they do affect your teeth. You should also avoid smoking and chewing tobacco, which can significantly affect tooth colour.
- Whitening Strips
You can purchase kits at the drugstore that you can use to whiten your teeth. These are effective, but if you do not place them properly on your teeth, then you may find that you have spots where your teeth are not quite as white as other areas, especially between your teeth.
- Brushing, Flossing and Regular Cleanings
Plaque is a big culprit in turning teeth yellow. Brushing, flossing, and going to your dentist for regular cleanings will help keep plaque from building up. This is preventative as well, as keeping your teeth plaque free helps with possible discolouration in the future.
- Professional Whitening Kits
At Vancity Dental we make at home whitening kits that are custom to you. The trays fit directly over your teeth and contain professional-strength whitening gel that is safe for at home use. You wear the trays for a couple of hours a day, or overnight, and your smile will gradually whiten. In two weeks you will have a brighter, whiter smile.
- In-Office Treatments
The fastest way to get a new bright, white smile is to have an in-office treatment at Vancity Dental. While protecting your lips and gums, we paint a professional-strength whitening gel onto your teeth and activate it with a dental laser so that the gel can penetrate your teeth with ease. This treatment takes only one day, and the results will be perfect.
If you are looking for teeth whitening in Vancouver, then look no further than our Vancouver dentist office. Vancity Dental has both in-office whitening as well as custom-made home whitening kits that are tailor-made just for you. If you want results, then this is your best bet over at home remedies. Professional whitening is also the safest way to go, and you will not suffer the nasty side effects that you could experience with other DIY methods. Come in or contact us today and we will take you through your options.
