Let’s face it: not everyone has white teeth. It doesn’t mean that you’re not taking care of your teeth properly; it may simply mean that they are stained due to a variety of factors out of your control. In any case there are many ways to whiten your teeth that range from “quick fixes” to methods that may require a little more time. Here are some of the best:
Brush twice a day: This one is a no-brainer and obviously it would have made the list. The easiest and most important thing you can ever do to try and make sure your teeth are white as they can ever be is to brush them when you wake up in the morning and before you go to bed. Using whitening toothpaste or toothpaste that has the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) Seal of Approval is your best bet. A typical tube of whitening toothpaste can go for about $10 at your local drugstore. Tubes with the CDA Seal contain many abrasive particles to polish teeth along with chemicals that remove stains. These toothpastes are just as easy on your enamel as the other leading brands.
Whitening trays: These can vary in price, so pick one that fits your budget. The typical drugstore or supermarket can sell trays that range from $20-$50 and contain a one-size-fits-all tray that molds to the shape of your teeth. If you want a really professional tray, your dentist can create trays that are custom fitted to the exact dimensions of your teeth, but can run a bit pricier. All you have to do once you bring it home is put a tiny amount of peroxide gel into the tray, place it in your mouth, and follow the instructions on how long you should wear it for. Make sure to brush again when you take them off! One to two weeks is the magic number to start seeing results with whiter teeth.
Whitening strips: You’ve definitely seen advertisements for these products on television. They are a bit cheaper than whitening trays and less chemicals are required to be inserted into your mouth. Each package will contain 2 strips: 1 for your upper teeth and 1 for your lower teeth. When purchasing whitening strips, take care and read the ingredients to make sure they do not contain chlorine dioxide. This chemical is mainly used to clean swimming pools and can cause significant damage to your enamel if left on the surface of the teeth for prolonged periods of time. The amount of time needed to wear them varies but rinse carefully once you remove them to remove any remaining adhesive gels. You should begin to see results in as little as 14 days.
Ask your dentist: Seriously, as if this would not have made the list. The best possible ways to whiten your teeth as easily as possible is to consult your dental professional. They know your teeth better than you do, and have the specific knowledge and tools for the best possible approach. One way is to have your teeth bleached professionally. Your dentist will place a rubber guard or protective gel on your gums and will then put a traditional whitening tray, peroxide gel included, on your teeth. Another method is laser whitening. A rubber shield is placed over your gums, a bleaching gel will be applied to your teeth and then a laser or bright light will be placed over them. The light is supposed to activate the chemical in the gel that in turn whitens your teeth much more quickly than with traditional bleaching methods.
Change your diet: The whiteness of your teeth is hugely dependent on what you eat and drink. Chewing tobacco or drinking liquids such as coffee, black tea, red wine, grape juice, sodas will definitely discolor your teeth. A slightly better alternative to drinking these beverages is to enjoy them through a straw to reduce the impact they can have on your teeth.
With the Dental Group at Central City, teeth whitening couldn’t be easier. Our dental team takes exact measurements of your upper and lower teeth and these impressions are used to make customized bleaching trays that perfectly fit your mouth. Wearing the trays for a few hours every day is all you need to ensure a beautiful white smile!
