Many of the beauty tips you’ll see in magazines and on the internet are transient at best, but a bright, white smile never goes out of style. Healthy teeth can not only save you from a lot of pain and expense in the future but also give you the confidence to share your smile with the world.
In fact, some people are willing to spend thousands of dollars every year on keeping their pearly whites in peak condition - but if that kind of budget is beyond your means, there’s no need to worry (or to give up on your teeth). There are plenty of at-home remedies for teeth whitening that have helped thousands of people to reclaim their smiles for less.
Let’s explore a few of the simplest, most popular teeth whitening tips around.
Get your regular oral care routine sorted
In the long run, the things you do on a daily basis to care for your teeth will have much more of an impact than any quick fix. That’s why it’s so important to get your hands on a quality toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss, and start using them regularly.
Ask any dentist and they’ll tell you that an electric toothbrush isn’t so much a “nice to have” item as a must for anyone who values good oral hygiene. Studies have found that these toothbrushes are much better at cleaning your teeth than the manual alternatives - but even then, your toothbrush alone isn’t enough.
For the best results, you’ll need to combine your electric toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste and quality floss and book general dentistry appointments on a regular basis.
Up your brushing ante
There is no shortage of whitening toothpaste options on the market, but if you’ve found them to be ineffective, it might be time for a natural whitening remedy.
Baking soda and activated charcoal are two popular substitutes for whitening toothpaste, and they can be used individually or in combination to create the glow you want.
All you need to do is put some of either substance into a dish, dip your wet toothbrush in, and brush! Just be wary of swallowing the mix or using it too frequently as otherwise, the abrasive effect could damage your teeth.
Rinse with the right substances
If you’re still rinsing your mouth out with water after brushing, you could be missing out on some serious whitening power! In small amounts, substances like hydrogen peroxide and apple cider vinegar can deliver remarkable results.
All you have to do is mix the whitening substance with an equal amount of water and swish the mixture around your mouth for up to one minute.
Just remember, it’s important not to swallow this mixture, so take care - no teeth whitening remedy is worth risking your health.
Eat tooth-friendly foods
For some, having white teeth is as natural as their diet - and with a few simple food swaps, you could be one of them! It all starts with a healthy helping of fruits and vegetables.
While all fruits and vegetables have well-known health benefits, some types contain acids that actively remove stains and whiten your teeth. Blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries are high in teeth-whitening malic acid, as are citric fruits like grapefruit and lime.
Just as you should know what to eat, it’s also important to know what NOT to eat in order to avoid stains - a list that includes substances like coffee, wine, and soft drink. In short, you should be mindful of any food that could potentially stain your teeth.
Invest in an at-home tooth whitening kit
If you’ve tried all of the natural remedies on the internet and still haven’t seen a transformation in the shade of your teeth, an at-home tooth whitening kit may be the answer you’ve been looking for.
These kits typically include things like whitening strips or mouthguards designed to be worn for several hours at a time or overnight, and often deliver much faster results than natural alternatives.
Before you start using them, check for reviews, instructions, and any possible side effects so that you can be prepared to get the best possible results.
The bottom line is, thanks to the many developments in the cosmetic dental industry in recent years, a whiter smile is no longer an impossible dream or idealistic goal. In fact, with just a few of these tips, you’ll be on your way to a look that makes you grin.
