When you look at your smile in the mirror, you may feel like it needs improvement. Stained teeth can make you feel uncertain about sharing your smile with the world.
Many patients are concerned by the cost of professional whitening or prefer to try natural remedies. This blog explains three easy at-home methods for supporting a whiter smile without causing decay or damaging tooth enamel.
1. Oral Hygiene and Professional Care
Always keep up with your routine dental cleaning appointments. A standard dental cleaning polishes away surface stains and gives you a brighter smile. Keeping up with your dental cleaning schedule also helps prevent and treat problems like gum disease and tooth decay before they become severe.
2. Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
Baking soda is a mild abrasive and an ingredient in many commercial toothpastes. When used with caution, baking soda gently polishes away stains. If you brush too hard with pure baking soda, you could damage your enamel or cause sensitive gums.
Some patients choose to mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide to oxidize surface stains. In a small dish, add a few teaspoons of baking soda and a small amount of peroxide. Mix with a spoon. Add peroxide, a few drops at a time, to create a thick paste.
Brush your teeth with the baking soda-peroxide paste using gentle circular motions. Then, rinse very thoroughly with water.
3. Diet and Lifestyle Changes
Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of yellow tooth stains. Dentists encourage patients to quit using tobacco if at all possible since going tobacco-free improves oral and overall health, as well as reducing stains.
Intensely pigmented foods and beverages also contribute to stained teeth. Patients know that coffee, tea, and red wine are the top contributors, but they may not realize that sodas, juices, candies, berries, dark chocolate, and turmeric can also cause issues.
You can still eat these foods, but you should brush your teeth after eating or rinse thoroughly with water. For highly acidic foods and drinks, wait half an hour before brushing to avoid damaging tooth enamel.
What you eat matters when planning a tooth-friendly diet. Crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as raw apples and celery, can protect against stains.
Home Remedies to Avoid
Not all popular home remedies are safe or proven effective:
- Activated Charcoal: This substance is too abrasive for delicate tooth enamel and can also damage your gums, making your teeth appear more yellow due to dentin exposure.
- Oil Pulling: This remedy has little scientific basis. It is not considered harmful, but it should not replace brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly. Do not swallow the oil to avoid digestive upset.
Choosing Professional Teeth Whitening
Many patients feel frustrated by the lack of options for at-home teeth whitening. Over-the-counter products are generally safe when purchased at a reputable store and used as directed, but they can take much more time to work. When you add up what you spend on at-home whitening products in a year, you may be surprised to learn that you are not saving significantly compared to professional treatments.
Professional whitening is safer, longer-lasting, and considerably more effective than home remedies and over-the-counter preparations. Dentists encourage patients to look into the benefits of professional whitening, whether they use the take-home or in-office versions.
Dr. Todd uses Opalescence, an advanced whitening system with impressive results. To learn more about Opalescence, contact our office for a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening
Why are my teeth yellow when I brush them every day?
Yellow teeth can arise when patients consume staining foods and beverages. Tobacco use is also a significant factor. In addition to these choices, teeth yellow naturally over time as the tooth enamel wears away to reveal the dentin underneath. Improve your brushing and flossing routine, and see your dentist with any concerns.
How does professional teeth whitening work?
Professional whitening uses a strong but safe peroxide gel. The dentist or hygienist applies the gel to the tooth surfaces, where it enters pores in the enamel. Inside the tooth enamel, peroxide dissolves stains and leaves a brighter, more even smile. You can choose in-office whitening for the fastest results or at-home whitening for a more gradual change.
Dr. Todd Paczewski leads a highly experienced family dental practice in Forty Fort, Pennsylvania. We provide compassionate dental care for the entire family and support our patients' oral health and overall wellness. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.