A dazzling white smile is a powerful social lubricant. Our smile is the first thing that people see, so if we have perfect white teeth, we are more confident and friendly. Not surprisingly, cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening procedures have become increasingly popular in recent years.
Regulation in this area has relaxed, and according to recent research, 14% of Americans have had some form of teeth whitening. Tooth whitening is big business and the industry is worth an estimated $1 billion. Of course, it’s not all about appearance. A perfect smile is more likely to be healthy and people who devote time and effort to maintaining their teeth are less likely to suffer oral health issues. So how can you improve your smile?
Home Tooth Whitening Products
There are plenty of teeth whitening products you can use at home. Some are safer than others, so always read the instructions carefully before applying acidic products to your teeth, as you could irreparably damage your tooth enamel.
Home teeth whitening products such as Crest White Strips are safe and easy to use. You don’t need to visit a dentist and most people see results in as little as five days.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Teeth whitening procedures are available at your dentist. Dentists can use stronger products to whiten teeth, so if your teeth are badly discolored, home whitening products may not give you the results you desire. A dentist uses bleaching gel to whiten teeth by several shades. This gel contains hydrogen peroxide, so it is highly regulated. Treatment must be carried out in a controlled environment, as too much gel can damage your teeth and cause long-term sensitivity problems.
You may be able to find teeth whitening procedures available at your local mall, but it is safer to pay extra for a qualified dentist to whiten your teeth if a home kit isn’t suitable.
Watch What You Eat
Food and drink can play havoc with our teeth.
- Citrus fruits contain high levels of Vitamin C and are good for us, but if you drink too much hot lemon water, or snack on fresh oranges, the acidity will erode your tooth enamel and expose the yellow dentin beneath.
- Red wine drunk in moderation has many health benefits, but as regular drinkers will know, it has a nasty habit of turning teeth fifty shades of gray.
- Coffee is delicious and an excellent pick-me-up, but it will stain your teeth. Coffee contains tannins and tannins discolor teeth. Coffee is also acidic, so it can cause damage if you drink too much of it.
- Tea also contains tannins, so it stains teeth, too. However, the effect is lessened if you add milk to your tea.
Whiten Teeth Naturally
Always brush your teeth after consuming acidic foods. Add some bicarbonate of soda to your toothpaste, as this will whiten your teeth. Make a paste out of baking soda and rub this on your teeth using a piece of coarse cloth. It will help to remove stains and remove plaque.
Don’t despair if your teeth are naturally yellow. Try the tips above and you will soon see a difference.
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