Start the New Year With Whiter Teeth

Do you look in the mirror and see teeth they are as white as they used to be? As we get older, our teeth end up with more and more stains due to the food we eat and the beverages we drink. Our teeth no longer have that white shine that we crave and love to show off. Our teeth may turn shades of yellow, brown, or gray from staining. Thankfully we can achieve whiter teeth with a variety of teeth whitening techniques. How can you win your teeth and how can a dentist help? What food should you avoid to keep your teeth white, and what else can you do to keep your teeth whiter?

Ways to Get Whiter Teeth

You have options when it comes to getting whiter teeth both at home and at your dentist.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This old world remedy works well for removing stain teeth. The vinegar contains acetic acid, which gets rid of plaque and stains on your teeth. You can rub apple cider vinegar directly on your teeth occasionally. Make sure you rinse your mouth after using it because too much acid can wear down the enamel. Try swishing with a mix of 1 cup water and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar for an easy whitening mouthwash.

Baking Soda

You probably have a box of this stuff sitting in your pantry. This jack of all trades can help make whiter teeth a reality in your life. The baking soda acts as an abrasive agent to help scrub off stands. According to the American Dental Association baking soda has a mild abrasive effect, which makes it safe to use. Always brush gently with baking soda because you don’t want the abrasiveness to scrub off the enamel.

At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits

These kits promise professional results without the high cost. The kits come with trays and hydrogen peroxide whitening gel. They typically lighten your teeth a few shades. On average they require about 30 minutes a day to achieve these results. It’s important to use caution when trying an at-home kit because you never know what you’re getting. You could get a great kit or one that could do damage. Ask a dentist for a recommendation, or research on your own before purchasing an at-home kit. At-home kits sold at a dentist office are always your best bet.

Teeth Whitening at Your Dentist’s Office

Your dentist might use one or a mix of things to help give you whiter teeth. They may use trays similar to at-home kits, but with a stronger dose of hydrogen peroxide. The dentist can use a higher percentage of hydrogen peroxide than at-home kits, which gives you better results. They take every precaution to make sure your teeth and gums are safe at all times. They may also use a laser with the hydrogen peroxide for better results. In as little as an hour, you can have dramatically whiter teeth.

Foods to Avoid For Whiter Teeth

Both food and drinks can stain your teeth. Dark beverages such as tea, coffee, and wine will leave stains. You should also avoid sports drinks and soda because the dyes in them stain your teeth. Dark berries, tomatoes, and tomato sauce stain teeth as well. Avoid cigarettes to keep your teeth white. Cigarettes contain tar and other chemicals that stain your teeth.

Preventative Steps to Keep Your Teeth White

Taking preventative steps help to keep your teeth nice and white. Use straws when drinking colored beverages. Straws allow the liquid to bypass the surface of most of your teeth. This spares your teeth from most of the stain causing elements. Eat foods that require you to chew a lot. Think of foods like carrots and apples because the chewing action helps to scrub off stains. Green vegetables like broccoli and kale help prevent stains because they make a film on your teeth that stops stains from forming.Brush your teeth after every meal. Brushing helps to get the stain causing elements like pieces of food off your teeth before they set. Rinsing after a meal accomplishes the same thing. You want to get the chunks of food out of your teeth as quickly as possible. Use an antibacterial mouthwash to keep stains away. Antibacterial mouthwash kills plaque in your mouth and plaque acts like a glue for stains. Less plaque in your mouth means fewer stains on your teeth.

Conclusion

You have many options when it comes to getting whiter teeth. The best option remains teeth whitening at your dentist office. Your dentist uses the most advanced technology to get the best results quickly. If you’re interested in learning more about whitening your teeth at the dentist’s office click here. Make sure you use tricks like drinking from a straw and antibacterial mouthwash to keep your teeth white. These simple tricks will ensure you have whiter teeth to show off when you smile.