It’s normal to want whiter and brighter teeth, but what shouldn’t be normal is how difficult it can be to actually get the job done! Some methods just don’t seem to work, or when they do, the results are far from noticeable.
If you’d like to finally achieve the smile of your dreams, keep reading. These tips will help you get the glow-up you’re looking for.
Professional Treatment
Without a doubt, the most effective way to eliminate dental stains is to visit your dentist for a professional whitening treatment. While most teeth whitening products use low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide as their main bleaching agent, your dentist is qualified to handle much stronger doses.
They’ll carefully apply a whitening gel to your teeth, meticulously avoiding your gums to prevent irritation and diligently supervising the dosage to prevent enamel damage. When all is said and done, you could have a brilliantly pearly smile in as little time as one hour!
Hydrogen Peroxide – in Small Doses!
Now, you could apply hydrogen peroxide to your teeth at home, but there are three things you should know:
- You should only use a solution with concentrations lower than 3%. Applying anything stronger than that by yourself risks damaging your enamel or overall oral health.
- Only use hydrogen peroxide as directed, which usually means infrequent treatments. Using it too much could also harm your teeth.
- It’ll take longer to receive noticeable whitening results, and the difference will likely be minimal.
Overall, DIY hydrogen peroxide whitening can be helpful as an occasional touch-up for already treated teeth but is unlikely to eliminate tougher stains.
Regular Oral Hygiene
What’s more effective for maintaining a beautiful smile is regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits. Both food debris and bacteria can stain your pearly whites but brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing at least once per day mitigates build up and, well, cleans your mouth.
By seeing your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning, you can further refresh your smile – dentists have the skills and tools necessary to eliminate plaque, the more stubborn and icky version of bacteria.
Limiting Staining Foods and Drinks
This last tip is a simple solution: reduce how much staining food and drink you consume! Strongly pigmented substances like grape juice, curry, and coffee will cause more frequent staining. Over time, regular consumption will also make the discoloration settle deeper in your teeth, resulting in harder-to-remove blemishes. It’s okay to enjoy these treats once in a while but try not to overdo it if a white smile is what you’re looking for.
However you decide to promote your pearly whites’ natural shine, make sure to run your plan by your dentist first. As a professional, they’ll be able to let you know whether a certain method is right for you. Plus, you’ll likely get more useful advice in the process!
About the Author
Dr. Cher Rich has been helping patients near Houston feel better about their smiles for nearly 20 years. She understands that with so much information available, it can be difficult to know what will be the best and safest way to whiten your teeth. If you’re interested in cosmetically enhancing your pearly whites, Dr. Rich can provide you with a quality teeth whitening treatment and keep you informed about maintaining your new look! To contact her office, call 281-469-6281.