As you age, your teeth do too! White enamel on the surface of your teeth can become stained with everyday foods and drinks. Even some mouthwashes and medications can leave your teeth stained or looking dingy. The best way to whiten and brighten your teeth is with a visit to your dental professional; it’s fast, it’s safe and it’s long-lasting. In-between appointments, however, you can help keep your teeth whiter with some simple at-home tips.
To keep your teeth looking their best, visit your grocery store or drug store and choose an at-home whitening product. Kits are available that can remove surface stains as well as deeper discoloration, changing your natural tooth color to be whiter and brighter. Some kits utilize trays that hold whitening gels, and some instruct you to apply the gel directly to your teeth. These types of whitening agents act quickly, generally over one or two applications, and can help you make your in-office treatment last between appointments.
Some kits contain whitening strips that sit on top of your teeth and help remove stains. These strips are very thin, and can be worn for several minutes a day for a period of time. Whitening strips are effective, but the results are neither as fast-acting nor as evident as gel-based whitening kits.
Whitening toothpaste is extremely popular and simple. While trays and strips can change your tooth color, whitening toothpastes can only remove simple surface stains.
Additional at-home methods include rinsing with hydrogen peroxide or brushing with a paste made with baking soda. Including apples, strawberries, citrus fruits, celery or carrots to your diet has been proven to brighten your smile. Hard cheeses and other dairy products decrease gum disease because of their lactic acid content, and they contain vitamin D and calcium, important building blocks for your teeth and bones.
Visit your dentist in Richmond VA for regular cleanings and checkups, and follow these simple at-home tips for keeping your smile brighter and whiter between professional whitening treatments.
