Keeping your teeth white can be hard to keep up with, especially if you can’t come to a dental office every couple of weeks. Lifestyle choices, such as what we choose to eat and drink, can also make teeth lose their natural whiteness. So what can patients do to whiten their teeth at home (and keep them white regularly)? At Dr. Dann Orthodontics, we want all of our patients to like the way their teeth look. We have 6 tips to help anyone who wants to whiten their teeth in the comfort of their own home.
6 Ways to Whiten Your Teeth At Home
- Reduce the Consumption of Stain-Causing Foods- The biggest cause of discolored teeth is the meals and drinks we take. Coffee/tea, red wine, juices, dark soda, red/yellow sauces, certain fruits, and sweets can wear down the enamel of the tooth. If you can’t completely avoid these foods and drinks, brush your teeth or chew on sugar-free gum soon after consuming them. Also, eat plenty of calcium to keep your teeth strong and sturdy.
- Use Whitening Strips & Kits- Over-the-counter whitening strips and kits are a good way to whiten your teeth at home. Using these products is also a great way to keep your teeth white after getting your teeth professionally whitened. You can find these items at your local drugstore/supermarket or online.
- Change Your Toothbrush- Replace your toothbrush or the head of your electric brush every 3-4 months. Over time, bacteria can grow on the toothbrush and reintroduce harmful bacteria into your mouth.
- Stop Smoking- Smoking is not just bad for your lungs, but your teeth as well. Tobacco can affect the color of your teeth. This is because it gets stuck in the grooves and openings of your tooth enamel. When stuck, they stain your teeth, which in turn can make your teeth appear yellow or even brown.
- Use Whitening Toothpaste- Whitening toothpaste has specific ingredients that can help whiten your teeth. Some common ingredients found in whitening toothpaste include:
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Mild abrasives (such as silica, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, sodium metaphosphate, and zirconium silicate)
- Vinegar
- Activated charcoal
- Baking soda
- Hydroxyapatite
(These ingredients are usually only helpful for removing the discoloration on the surface of the teeth, thereby not whitening the entire tooth).
- Keep Up Your Oral Hygiene Regime- Continue to brush twice a day and floss regularly. It’s important to not only keep your teeth white but healthy and strong as well. Also, don’t forget to use mouthwash (get a whitening mouthwash!) to rinse. Look for products that contain fluoride to help prevent cavities and diseases from occurring.
Contact Dr. Dann Orthodontics Today!
If you’re thinking about getting your teeth whitened professionally, contact us at Dr. Dann Orthodontics today! Our teeth whitening treatment will give you the effective results you want. We also provide comprehensive orthodontic treatments for all ages in Orlando and Winter Park, FL. If you have any questions/ or concerns, don’t be afraid to reach out to us today!