Summary
Do you often regret not having a picture-perfect smile?
You’re not alone! Nearly 80% of Americans have expressed dissatisfaction with the color of their teeth.
You may not have white teeth for numerous reasons despite following rigorous oral healthcare. However, this is where common yet practical whitening tips step into the picture.
When followed wisely, these effective and practical tips can help whiten teeth and enhance your smile. So continue reading as we learn about these ten methods in the following sections.
10 Teeth Whitening Methods You Need to Try!
1 In-Office Laser Teeth Whitening
Hands down, the quickest approach to acquiring white teeth in one day is to visit your dentist for professional teeth whitening in Garland, TX. Same-day or “chairside” whitening uses a special gel to oxidize discoloration particles in your teeth.
A standard in-office whitening procedure takes 1–1.5 hours from start to finish. The intense whitening gel is brushed onto your teeth, activated by UV light, washed off, and reapplied 2-3 times for visible whitening. Once done, you’ll see 7-8 shades of improvement.
2 Custom Teeth Whitening Trays
A professional take-home whitening solution will work wonders if your goal is significantly whiter teeth without the requirement for same-day results. The trays with these kits are specially made to suit each tooth. A small amount of the highest-caliber bleaching gel will be applied to the tray, and you will wear it for around an hour each day.
With custom whitening kits, you can see results in as little as a few days. The trays give you results within 10 to 14 days, and you will witness 7 to 8 shades of lightened teeth. This process allows you to maintain your white smile for years by keeping your trays and touching up after your six-month exams.
3 OTC Whitening Strips
If paying for a professional Zoom teeth whitening procedure is out of your budget, over-the-counter whitening strips can still produce respectable results.
Simply fit the strips over your teeth, following all contours and gum lines, and wear them for the recommended time. While over-the-counter methods aren’t as effective as professional whitening gels, they may often lighten a smile by three to five shades.
4 Diet Changes
While modifying your diet will not cure any existing stains on your teeth, it will prevent future discoloration. Fruits and vegetables are excellent for keeping plaque off your teeth, which helps to prevent future discoloration.
Avoiding beverages like coffee and tea and drinking juice or soda through a straw can help you keep white teeth. What’s more? You can also add apple cider vinegar to your diet twice or thrice every week. Remember, using ACD more frequently will damage tooth enamel. Mix it with water and swirl it in your mouth for a few minutes.
5 Kick the Stain-Causing-Habits (and Drinks)
Everyday indulgences such as red wine, coffee, soda, and tea make your teeth appear darker than they are. Dark beverages tend to layer up on your enamel over time. Switching to an alternative or rinsing your mouth with water immediately afterward is the best way to prevent them from staining. Garland, Texas, dentists suggest that drinking through a straw can help reduce stains over time.
Additionally, if you smoke or use tobacco or inhalation goods, now is an excellent time to try to quit. Tobacco-related stains are among the most difficult to remove from teeth. However, they also increase your risk of mouth cancer and lung problems.
6 Get Dental Veneers
Cosmetic porcelain veneers can give you the precise color and tone of teeth you’ve always desired. In addition, veneers can be utilized to improve the appearance of gaps between teeth, crowding, uneven enamel, chipped edges, and other cosmetic imperfections.
Dental veneers require 2-3 visits and at least a couple of weeks to complete since the restorations are created in a lab. However, if you have approximately a month to prepare for your big event and want to see a significant before-and-after makeover, veneers are the go-to solution!
7 Follow Preventive Measures
To prevent tooth stains, avoid certain foods and beverages, such as black coffee, red wine, dark-colored fruit, coffee, and soda. While these can be enjoyed occasionally, their adverse impact on teeth should also be considered.
Following suitable preventive measures can minimize stains, allowing you to not only maintain your smile but also whiten it effectively.
8 Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is a traditional method in which you swish oil (often coconut oil) in your mouth for many minutes before spitting it out. Proponents believe oil pulling may eliminate toxins and germs from the mouth, resulting in whiter teeth and cleaner breath. While no scientific evidence supports these claims, oil pulling is typically harmless and maybe a pleasant addition to your dental hygiene regimen.
9 Baking Soda
Baking soda, a natural abrasive, can help remove surface stains from teeth. To use baking soda for teeth whitening, combine a tiny quantity with water to make a paste and wash your teeth once a week. Be careful not to overdo baking soda since it can be abrasive and potentially harmful to tooth enamel.
10 Rinse with Water After Consuming Staining Foods
If you consume staining foods or beverages, quickly washing your mouth with water can assist in reducing the staining effects. Swishing water about your mouth removes residue and lowers the possibility of stains forming.
While rinsing with water is not a replacement for brushing your teeth, it may be a helpful habit to integrate into your dental hygiene practice, especially if you cannot clean your teeth immediately after ingesting staining substances.
Do NOT Try These At-Home Teeth Whitening Methods
Even with many efficient teeth-whitening treatments, consumers will continue trying trendy DIY techniques. For example, rubbing lemon on your teeth makes your teeth appear whiter as the acid in the lemon will initially remove the outer layer of enamel.
But eventually, it thins out your tooth structure, making your teeth weaker and darker the longer you do it. Rinsing with hydrogen peroxide is also not suggested since it might disrupt your natural oral flora, resulting in discoloration or a black hairy tongue.
Parting Notes On Stained Teeth
It is natural for everyone to have some yellowness in their tooth structure. Some have a deeper yellow tint than others.
Severe dental traumas or childhood drugs like tetracycline can also exacerbate internal (intrinsic) tooth discoloration. Internal stains are far more challenging to cure, so consult your cosmetic dentist to explore alternatives.
Remember, in extreme cases, porcelain crowns or internal tooth bleaching may be the best option.
Takeaway
- Thanks to various factors, you may not have white teeth despite following rigorous oral healthcare.
- Daily indulgences such as red wine, coffee, soda, and tea can make teeth appear darker than they are.
- If paying for a professional teeth whitening procedure is out of your budget, over-the-counter whitening strips can produce respectable results.
- Are you still confused about the different options for keeping your teeth shiny and white? Contact our North Texas Family & Cosmetic Dentistry experts to learn more today.
