Although you can help keep your teeth clean and healthy with daily brushing and the use of dental floss, good dental hygiene may not be enough to keep your teeth looking bright and white. Your teeth can be easily discoloured by what you eat, drink, and if you smoke. Stains can exist on top of your tooth enamel or below its surface. Here are five of the best methods to keep your teeth looking their best.
Whitening Rinses
This teeth whitening method is used prior to brushing your teeth, and these rinses usually contain hydrogen peroxide to help remove surface stains. It is best to use them twice a day by rinsing for approximately sixty seconds. However, don’t expect quick results from using a whitening rinse. They contain hydrogen peroxide, which is a weak whitener, and it can take several uses before you see any results from using a rinse.
Whitening Toothpaste
There are usually several whitening toothpastes available at the pharmacy, and these can help eliminate stains on the surface of your teeth and help prevent new stains. Whitening toothpaste works by scrubbing the surface of your teeth clean, because it contains an abrasive material that removes stains caused by food and drink. These products should be used selectively, since long-term use may damage the enamel and expose the underlying dentin because of their abrasiveness.
Whitening Gum
You may be able to chew your way to whiter teeth and help prevent future stains as well. Many whitening gums contain abrasive particles that help clean surface food and drink stains, or they may coat your teeth to keep stains from sticking to tooth enamel. They may be able to help remove stains caused by smoking tobacco as well, although in studies, medicated nicotine gums sometimes did a better job of removing tobacco-related stains.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
You can buy whitening strips, gels, and trays in most pharmacies that will help whiten teeth if used correctly. Whitening strips are by far the most popular option for most people, and they can make teeth look brighter by up to six or seven shades. While gels and teeth trays can be difficult to use, they can also effectively whiten teeth when used as directed. Most of these products contain hydrogen peroxide to help brighten teeth.
Professional Teeth Bleaching
This is the best and safest method for getting brighter and whiter teeth. A dentist can better judge the amount of discolouration that your teeth have and use the proper method of bleaching to help whiten your teeth. They may use light- or heat-activated methods to help bleach your teeth, or they may send you home with a custom-made tray, so you can bleach your teeth at home. For more information on whitening techniques, go to whitersmile.com.au.
There are also several homemade whitening treatments to help make your smile appear brighter. However, by far, the best way to get a whiter smile is to consult your dentist about getting bleaching treatments in his or her office.