A good smile is one that reaches your eyes and can stimulate all 17 of your facial muscles every single time. However, many people take this simple gesture for granted when they fail to take care of their precious teeth by having good dental hygiene.
Teeth discoloration is one of the most evident manifestations of bad dental habits. It can be caused by stains from the food and drinks you consume, signs of aging, use of tobacco products, the trauma you suffered, or from the medication you take. But there is something you can do to get rid of it.
Teeth whitening can be the answer you are looking for to solve your discoloration problem. There are plenty of ways you can approach the goal of having pearly whites, from DIY kits and dental procedures to natural remedies. But keep in mind that whitening will not work on caps, veneers, crowns, or fillings that are in your mouth.
At-home DIY Kits
When finding a whitening product to use from over-the-counter purchases or drugstores, you should prioritize your convenience because you’re doing this process yourself. If you have a hard time using the product, then the chances of it being effective will be lessened greatly because you might not apply it correctly.
Instead, choose easy-to-use products, such as a LED whitening kit or any peroxide-based whitener. Stay away from products that contain hydrated silica because it is made from a crystallized compound that is commonly found in quartz or sand, and it can damage your tooth enamel along with your gum tissue.
Before you go about your DIY teeth whitening adventure, it might be safer to consult a dentist about your mouth situation first. This is because your teeth discoloration can be caused by a more serious condition that you failed to notice. DIY kits should only be used on healthy teeth and gums.
Dental Procedures
When you go to your dentist for a teeth whitening session, you can get one of two procedures: a chair-side bleaching session or an at-home bleaching kit. The first option usually just takes a single appointment wherein your dentist will apply a protective gel to your gums and bleach to your teeth.
With a teeth bleaching session, you can achieve four to six shades of whitening that can last anywhere from a few months to a year. The longevity of your whitened teeth depends on your diet and habits, which means that you have complete control over them.
The latter option, however, involves a custom-made tray that you need to use at home for your whitening procedure. Your dentist should give you all the necessary equipment and instructions on how to use them. This process can usually take a few days to a few weeks, depending on your dental condition.
These professional home kits are a much better option for you if you prefer to do the procedure at your own pace. You can also use the custom-made tray for a few hours at a time, or wear them as you sleep so the whitening process takes place as you rest.
Natural Remedies
If you are not a fan of chemical procedures but still want to find ways to whiten your teeth, then you can opt to use natural remedies. These are much safer and more natural compared to chemical products that you can buy from the drugstore.
The first option you can do is to brush your teeth with baking soda. This ingredient is a mild abrasive that can lessen the surface stains on your teeth and produces an alkalized environment in your mouth to prevent bacteria buildup.
To do this, you can mix one teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water to make a paste. Then, you can use this paste with your toothbrush and brush your teeth with it a few times a week. This baking soda remedy is not a miracle worker, but you can see the effects after some time of usage.
The second option you can do is to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, preferably uncooked and raw. This is because the crunchiness of fruits and vegetables can help lessen the plaque on your teeth as you chew them properly.
You can also eat more pineapples and strawberries as they are claimed to aid people in whitening their teeth. Strawberries, when combined with baking soda, are said to be an effective natural remedy in teeth whitening because of the malic acid that is found in the fruit.
The effects of natural remedies are not proven by science, because they are usually found on a case-to-case basis. However, there’s no harm in trying out different home remedies that you think can benefit your teeth because they are safe to consume. But of course, you should do so in moderation.
Having your pearly whites shine and sparkle every time you smile is a good thing, but having healthy teeth is even better. You should aim to have healthier teeth more than getting whiter teeth, especially if the measures you take to achieve that whiteness can put you in harm’s way in the process.
