Did you know that 80% of adults under age 50 in the United States want whiter teeth?
A person’s smile is one of the first things that people notice, and most people want to give a good first impression.
If you are afraid to smile because of stains and yellow teeth, there are many ways to combat these issues.
Continue reading to learn how to get white teeth so that you can feel confident with your smile!
Visit the Dentist
One of the best recommendations of how to get white teeth is to get dental cleanings regularly.
Skipping dentist appointments or not making them can harm the color of your teeth. This is because tartar can build up without you barely noticing and create a yellow hue. A dental cleaning is the best way to combat tartar, as the hygienist can remove it.
Most dentists recommend going to the office every six months or more. Going longer than 6 months could increase your risk of developing gum or tooth damage. If you are looking for a great dental team, check out https://www.smilesolutions.com.au/ for more information.
Brush and Floss Daily
Learning how to whiten teeth can bring up many options. The most effective method, however, is to brush and floss.
It is best to brush at least twice a day. Some people brush their teeth after every meal or snack to get sugar off of their teeth. Brushing frequently helps reduce the risk of developing plaque or tartar build-up.
You should also aim to floss at least once a day. Try to pick a time to floss so that you don’t run out of time and skip it. If you struggle to wake up on time each day, floss in the evenings so that you never skip a day.
Brushing and flossing should be a part of your daily routine.
Avoid Smoking
Nicotine and tar are common ingredients used in vaporizers and cigarettes.
Unfortunately, both of these ingredients can cause staining on your teeth. People who regularly smoke tend to have more yellow teeth than those that don’t smoke. This is because they are constantly inhaling smoke that stains the surface of teeth.
Not only does smoking discolor your teeth, but it can also increase your risk of developing oral disease or cancer. Once nicotine and tar start to build up on teeth it can be difficult to remove them. If you do smoke or are trying to quit, visit the dentist to get a thorough cleaning.
Skip Wine and Coffee
If you want perfectly white teeth, you may have to make some sacrifices.
Wine and coffee are two of the biggest culprits of tooth discoloration. Both of these beverages have high acidity which reduces the enamel on your teeth. When enamel because thin and weak, your teeth are more likely to develop stubborn surface stains.
Not only are these drinks acidic, but they also have a deep color that can change your teeth. Have you ever had a glass of red wine and noticed that your mouth and teeth were temporarily stained red? Drinking wine and coffee can make your teeth look yellow, red, or dull.
For those that can’t put the cup down, make sure that you brush your teeth after drinking them. You can also use mouthwash and rinse the dye and acidity out of your mouth.
Use a Straw
Having beautiful teeth will require you to make some changes to your life.
A small change that you will want to adjust to is using a straw. Drinking from a straw helps prevent beverages from covering your teeth. When sugary and acidic drinks get on your teeth they eat at the enamel and cause stains.
Straws should be used when drinking juice, coffee, or soda. A straw will allow you to still enjoy your favorite beverages, however, it won’t have as negative of an impact.
After having sugary and acidic drinks, make sure that you rinse your mouth out with mouthwash. This will help ensure that nothing gets on your teeth.
Try Whitening Toothpaste
The most important thing to have in your toothpaste is fluoride.
Aside from fluoride, you can get toothpaste that has whitening ingredients. Depending on the toothpaste brand you get, you can get natural or bleaching agents to include in the blend to help brighten your smile.
When you use whitening toothpaste, monitor your sensitivity to ensure that the ingredients aren’t too strong. Some people have more sensitive teeth and gums that could get irritated by whitening agents.
Natural toothpaste often uses charcoal and baking soda as the whitening ingredient. Some also use hydrogen peroxide or coconut oil.
Snack on Specific Foods
Certain foods can help reduce stains and buildup on teeth.
Some of the best things that you can eat to whiten your teeth naturally are crunchy fruits and vegetables. Apples, carrots, and celery are perfect snacks that will help keep your teeth white.
The texture of these foods helps to remove plaque and tartar. They also supply your body with vitamins and nutrients that keep your dental health well. It is a good idea to skip on foods that have high amounts of acidity or color dye.
Strawberries and pineapple are other fruits that can help whiten teeth. Although they are acidic, they contain whitening properties that are naturally made in the fruit. Try to eat strawberries and pineapple in moderation to ensure that you don’t wear down your enamel.
Don’t Skip Mouthwash
Did you know that more than 6 billion bacteria can be found on the inside of your mouth?
A great way to clean your teeth and mouth is to use mouthwash. Rinsing with mouthwash can kill up to 99% of the bacteria in your mouth and prevent tooth discoloration. Depending on your preferences, you can find mouthwash with and without alcohol.
There are many varieties of mouthwash that focus on certain things. Make sure that you get a mouthwash with whitening ingredients included. Most companies use baking soda and charcoal in their mouthwash to help get rid of stains.
It is most beneficial to use mouthwash after each meal and snack, especially if it contained sugar or dyes. Rinse the mouthwash around for at least 60 seconds before spitting it out. This small step can make a difference in your smile before you even realize it!
Give Your Tongue a Scrub
Now that you know how much bacteria can be found in your mouth, it is important to know where it hides.
Your teeth often hold some of the bacteria, but a major contributor to the problem is your tongue. You should be brushing or scrubbing your tongue each time that you brush your teeth. If you don’t want to purchase a tongue scrubber, simply use the bristles on your toothbrush and rinse it off afterward.
Neglecting to clean your tongue leads to tooth discoloration because the bacteria on your tongue goes to your teeth. Your tongue frequently touches your teeth, which allows bacteria to travel.
If you notice small bumps on your tongue, called papillae, you might want to focus on scrubbing your tongue more often. Papillae can make your teeth yellow or cause bad breath, which no one wants to experience.
Reduce Sugar
Sugar is one of the most harmful things for dental health and tooth color.
When you ingest a lot of sugar, you increase plaque-causing bacteria in your mouth. Once the sugar is sitting on your gums and teeth, it can cause plaque buildup and stain your teeth. Do your best to limit how much sugar you have or try to get sugar-free food and beverages.
If you do have snacks or drinks that contain sugar, take a moment to brush your teeth. The sooner that you can brush bacteria out of your mouth, the less damage that the sugar can cause.
Add in Baking Soda
Many teeth whitening products use baking soda because it is a natural bleaching agent.
Baking soda is mildly abrasive, which helps to scrub off bacteria and plaque on your teeth. A great way to incorporate baking soda into your dental hygiene routine is by mixing it with your toothpaste. Brushing with toothpaste and baking soda is a great way to get rid of surface stains and get whiter teeth.
Although you won’t notice any big changes overnight, baking soda is an effective method that will take some time. Try to be patient and trust that the results will show in the next couple of weeks.
Get Professional Help
Sometimes the natural ways to whiten teeth just don’t get the job done.
If you are looking for quick and effective results, you should consider hiring professionals. Most dental offices offer whitening services, however, they aren’t always covered with insurance. Tooth whitening procedures can cost a bit of money but you will notice a brighter smile that same day.
Since teeth whitening involves bleaching teeth, it is important that you only do it when you have a lot of discoloration. The dentist might also use a tooth whitening tray that contains fluoride and bleaching ingredients.
It can be helpful to research the procedure before making your appointment. Many people have said that the procedure can be painful and exhausting. Know about all of the details so that you can ensure that you want to get it done.
Apply Activated Charcoal Powder
Although there aren’t studies proving that activated charcoal helps whiten teeth, it seems to be an effective method.
Many people are using products with charcoal because it is an abrasive ingredient that can naturally whiten teeth. People have been using charcoal on their teeth for a long time and it has recently become a trend.
If you get activated charcoal powder, try mixing it with coconut oil to get the most effects. Coconut oil provides a nice texture and also helps remove bacteria and discoloration.
When buying charcoal powder, do your research on the brand and ensure that the ingredients are derived from natural sources.
Have Citrus in Moderation
Many people don’t realize it, but citrus foods and drinks are a large contributor to teeth discoloration.
Teeth can get discolored from fruits and beverages. This occurs when the citrus creates surface stains or makes changes inside of the mouth.
Lemons, limes, and oranges are healthy because of the vitamins they offer. If you want to receive their benefits, you should consume them in moderation. These fruits have a lot of citric acids, which erodes the enamel on your teeth, making them more prone to staining.
Diluting citrusy foods and beverages can make them safer for your teeth, but try to avoid them if possible. After you have anything containing a lot of citruses, be sure to brush your teeth.
Research Your Medications
Most people don’t think about their daily medications when wanting to get whiter teeth.
Certain medications, however, can cause staining and discoloration to teeth. Many antihistamines, such as Benadryl, have discoloration as a side effect. Other medications to check include antipsychotic and antihypertensive prescriptions.
Check the paperwork that comes with your medications. Looking at the potential side effects can help explain why you are struggling to get a whiter smile. Always talk to your doctor about stopping the medication if you are thinking about it.
Do You Know How to Get White Teeth?
Learning how to get white teeth can be a challenging task because there are so many methods.
By combining multiple methods, you can improve your dental health and create a whiter smile. You shouldn’t have to fear getting pictures taken or smiling because of yellow or discolored teeth. Making small changes to your diet and routine can have profound effects on the color of your smile.
Don’t be afraid to try a new way of whitening. Always monitor your tooth and gum sensitivity, however, so that you don’t damage enamel even more.
Be sure to check out our blog for more articles about caring for your teeth and feeling confident!