5 Tips for a Beautifully White Smile
With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, most people depend on caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, or soda to get them through the day. However, these beverages can leave your teeth dark and stained overtime. Fortunately, with the help of these five whitening tips, getting a brighter, more beautifully white smile, is one resolution that can be achieved. As a result, you may find yourself with those sparkling pearly whites sooner than you thought! Additionally, these tips will also help you learn how to combat stain daily, leaving you with a dazzling smile all year long.
1. Custom whitening trays
A great way to start the whitening process is to explore the possibility of custom whitening trays. Especially since, “Tooth bleaching is one of the most conservative and cost-effective dental treatments to improve or enhance a person’s smile,” according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Furthermore, custom whitening trays are user friendly, comfortable, and effective. This is because impressions are used to make models of your teeth, giving them a custom fit. The trays are then made with a soft, thin, plastic material, making them easy to wear anytime and anywhere.
The whitening gel used along with the custom trays is often effective and easy to apply. For example, “With tray bleaching, teeth normally lighten in three days to six weeks,” said the ADA. Additionally, the gel is thick and viscous, making it less likely to irritate the surrounding soft tissues. Though sensitivity from whitening may occur, it should subside shortly after the treatment is completed. During the interim, simply pick up some Sensodyne toothpaste, and gently rub it onto the touchy areas. To get custom trays, ask your dentist if this form of whitening is right for you.
2. Whitening rinses
Using a whitening rinse is another way to reduce the amount of surface staining on your teeth throughout the year. Whitening rinses are effective because the foaming action they produce helps remove stain left behind from beverages such as red wine, coffee, tea, and soda. For best results, rinses should be swished for 60 seconds twice a day before brushing, according to Harvard Health Publications.
3. Brushing and flossing
Brushing and flossing prevents stain and buildup from forming on and in-between teeth. The better home care you have, the brighter your smile will glow. Flossing once and brushing two to three times a day is a nice routine to get into. As a tip, use the type of floss that works best in your hands, as you will be more likely to use it. Also, try using toothpaste that includes a whitening agent.
4. Professional teeth cleanings
Professional teeth cleanings remove surface stains, plaque, and tartar from your teeth. Thus, this form of preventative dentistry helps keep teeth healthy and stain free. For the average person, Dental Arts Associates recommends cleanings and exams every six months, along with routine x-rays once a year.
5. Touch-ups
Keep your teeth bright year-round, touch them up by using your custom whitening trays again when necessary. Simply apply whitening treatments until your teeth are the shade you desire.
Once you get in the routine of these five tips, you will truly be able to see and feel the difference in your teeth. For more complex whitening cases, consult your dentist to explore additional options. If you do not have a dentist, the doctors at Dental Arts Associates are welcoming new patients, and are always available to guide you in the right direction. As always, give us a call at (920) 494-9541 to schedule an appointment.
