Having confidence in your smile can totally transform your confidence in everyday life, which is why it's so important to keep our mouths and teeth clean and healthy.
Many things can alter our teeth colour, from too many coffees to years of smoking, and the stains can be tricky to remove. If you're wanting to brighten up your smile, we've put together some handy tips and advice to help you achieve a smile you can smile about, from the best at-home teeth whitening reviews, natural remedies to try as well as the best toothpaste.
At home teeth whitening products
We understand that the dentist can be a scary place, especially if you experienced not-so-pleasant trips there as a child. That's why many people are resorting to home remedies when it comes to teeth.
You can even get at-home teeth aligners sent to your door to straighten your teeth these days, as well as many non-invasive whitening treatments. These tend to be much more affordable than visiting the dentist and having them done professionally.
Teeth whitening kit
Teeth whitening kits usually consist of a mouth guard, activating solution, a syringe of gel, and UV light to help you achieve pearly whites. Fairly easy and straightforward to use, these are more expensive than toothpaste or a whitening pen but much cheaper than professional teeth whitening treatments.
Teeth whitening toothpaste
The easiest way to give your smile a boost is to switch up your usual toothpaste for a teeth whitening toothpaste.
There are a range of different pastes that work in various ways to lift stains from your teeth, and this is the best method if you struggle with sensitivity.
Teeth whitening pen
While you won't get long-lasting results, a teeth-whitening pen is a good option if you're looking for a quick fix for a special event or occasion you've got planned. Structurally shaped like a pen, it contains a whitening gel along with a brush for application.
Teeth whitening strips
Working in the same way bleach works to whiten hair, teeth whitening strips are made of a thin and elastic fabric and contain peroxide or bleach. You apply these straight to your teeth to help remove teeth stains and discolouration.
How to whiten teeth naturally
There are many natural teeth whitening methods to try at home to give your smile a white boost. Why not give one of these a go before reaching for a teeth-whitening product?
Eat your way to whiter teeth
Foods that are firm or crisp are known to help clean teeth as they're eaten. Apples are considered to be ‘nature's toothbrush’ and are a great way of cleaning teeth on the go or at lunchtime when you are at work and unable to brush your teeth. Other choices include raw carrots, celery, and popcorn. All of these foods are known as 'detergent' foods, as the rough edges act as a cleaner to remove bacteria from the teeth. Try to make these the final foods you eat in your meal if you know you won't be able to brush your teeth right after eating.
Get a calcium boost
This may come as a surprise to many but cheese is also known for helping to maintain healthy white teeth. Although very fattening, cheese speeds the neutralization of acid and remineralisation of enamel. Less damage to our enamel equals fewer discolourations. In addition, cheese is also high in calcium which is known for strengthening bones and teeth. For a lower-fat alternative, milk and yoghurt act in the same way as cheese, containing calcium and phosphorus which promotes the remineralisation of tooth enamel.
Wash away the stains
Water is not only essential for overall wellbeing, but it is also vital for great oral health. Water acts as a natural cleaner and has the power to wash away bacteria and residue left on the teeth after eating so be sure to drink a glass of water after every meal.
Neutralise acid
Chewing gum is also very beneficial when it comes to maintaining a white smile. Chewing gum helps to clean teeth mechanically by removing debris, and it stimulates the production of saliva, which increases your saliva’s ability to neutralize acid and remineralise your enamel, ultimately strengthening teeth. Make sure you choose a sugar-free gum and if it has whitening properties, even better.
Quit smoking
Lifestyle choices can also influence a naturally white smile with smoking being one of the biggest causes of teeth decay and discolouration. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes result in teeth darkening and losing their natural white.
Smoking can cause teeth to turn yellow over a very short period of time and years of smoking can even turn teeth brown. To stop this from happening, the answer is simple- stop smoking. Plus it will improve your overall health dramatically.
Brush your way to a whiter smile
Your toothbrush can also influence the whiteness in your teeth. Make sure you change your toothbrush or the head of your electric toothbrush at least every two to three months, otherwise, you're just transferring bacteria to your mouth.
Hygiene helps
Regular hygienist appointments at least twice a year will help to preserve a bright white whilst maintaining healthy teeth and gums. The latest technology is dental hygiene uses a special polishing technique which uses high-pressure air and water and a specially-formulated powder which can help restore teeth to their natural colour by removing external stains such as those caused by coffee, tea, red wine and daily living.
The little extras
Many of us often underestimate how flossing can transform a smile. Flossing removes some of the stainings in between teeth, making your smile instantly look whiter. Try to floss several times a week as this will not only improve the health of your gums but you will also notice your smile looking brighter.
See the light
Dark-coloured foods are also notorious for causing discolouration in the naturally white teeth enamel. The best thing to do is try to avoid these foods and drinks such as coffee, balsamic vinegar and red wine, but if you do want to treat yourself, drink a glass of water after as this will help minimise staining.