If you have Instagram, TikTok, or another social media platform, then you know there are countless creators who swear by lemon juice, activated charcoal, whitening strips, and the like. However, these approaches to lifting stubborn stains will leave you disappointed time and time again, and some may actually make your teeth even more yellow! Don’t worry – you can learn five tips for whiter teeth that actually work right here!
1. Commit to a Solid Dental Care Regimen
Simply put, even if you try all of the whitening products in the world, they won’t deliver the results you desire if you don’t take good care of your teeth and gums. That starts with brushing each morning and evening (for a full two minutes each time), and after lunch, if you are able to. Additionally, you should use your floss of choice to clean between your teeth daily and rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash consistently.
2. Limit Stain-Causing Foods
Marinara sauce, curry, and balsamic vinegarette have two things in common: they are delicious, and they can stain your teeth. For that reason, it’s a good idea to indulge sparingly. Instead, focus on filling your plate with nutrient-dense foods that are also light in color, like white fish, hard-boiled eggs, bananas, plain yogurt, and oatmeal.
3. Use a Straw When Drinking Coffee
One of the easiest ways to prevent stubborn stains from surfacing is by using a straw when drinking coffee. You should also take the same approach with wine, juice, soda, and other dark-colored beverages. That way, the residue from the beverage has little-to-no contact with your enamel.
4. Get a Dental Cleaning Semi-Annually
Even if you brush and floss consistently at home, you need to visit your dentist twice a year for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning. The latter is important regarding this topic specifically because it ensures plaque, tartar, and the like are removed from your teeth. Plus, your teeth will be polished before the end of your appointment, removing surface stains in the process.
5. Pursue Professional Teeth Whitening
If you’re diligent about brushing your teeth, using a straw, and eating light-colored foods, but you’re still unhappy with the shade of your smile, then ask your dentist about professional teeth whitening! This approach is superior to over-the-counter options because they are customized, consider your unique dental history and smile goals, and contain powerful (and safe) brightening agents.
About the Practice
At Boston Smile Center, we offer our patients not one, but two types of professional teeth whitening: in-office and take-home. In-office treatments are ideal for patients who want to see results quickly; we can lighten your teeth by up to eight shades in a single visit! Take-home treatments, on the other hand, are perfect for those who want to address discoloration at their leisure and from the comfort of their own home. If you want to schedule a consultation to learn more about this teeth-straightening solution, then visit our website or call (617) 739-1017.