4 Ways to Brighten your Teeth
January 2 2022 by Mills Haven Dental
Over time, everyone’s smile starts to dull. Different foods, aging, and medical conditions work together to alter the colour of your smile.
Many of us attach our self-esteem to the appearance of our smiles. We want our teeth to be white and perfectly straight and get frustrated when nature works against us.
If you want to change your smile and increase your confidence, keep reading for 4 ways to whiten teeth.
#1 Adjust Your Diet
Our diet plays a huge role in the appearance of our teeth. Many foods cause surface stains. Reducing your intake of some of these food items could mean a brighter smile in a matter of weeks:
- Orange juice (pro tip: use a straw!)
- Coffee
- Red wine and other alcohol
- Tomato sauces
- Soda (like cola)
#2 Quit Smoking
This one is a no-brainer. Smoking doesn’t just cause yellow staining, but it also increases your chances of severe problems. This includes:
- Tooth and root decay
- Tooth loss
- Gum disease
- Oral cancer
Once you kick the habit, you’ll notice your teeth don’t stain as quickly. Talk to your doctor about a plan to quit smoking for good.
#3 Try At-Home Remedies
If you want to take an active approach to whiten your teeth, you can try some at-home solutions!
Whitening Toothpaste and Mouthwash
There are plenty of toothpaste and mouthwashes that contain stain-fighting ingredients. Choose a product from a reputable brand and make sure to follow the directions on the packaging. Don’t use the product more than the label recommends.
WARNING: We rarely recommend at-home whitening kits (like strips and trays) to our patients. Many at-home kits have been shown to cause tooth sensitivity and enamel loss. Make sure you choose a product that is approved by the Canadian Dental Association. Check out this list to get started.
Baking Soda
Did you know brushing your teeth with baking soda and water once per week can really brighten up your smile? Many tubes of toothpaste already have baking soda inside as one of the ingredients, but it helps to use just baking soda occasionally. Make sure you ask your dentist before starting this routine.
#4 Get Professional Whitening
The safest way to whiten your teeth is to seek professional help. Your dental team will be able to pinpoint the cause of any staining, and therefore know how to best tackle it. The fact is: Some staining is irreversible. It’s better to find that out before spending a bunch of money on at-home solutions.
You’ll likely see better results with professional whitening because dental offices have permission to use products that have more peroxide than an at-home kit. In other words? Dentists can use stronger stuff to try and whiten your smile.