Even if you diligently brush your teeth every morning and night, you may still find it a struggle to keep those pearly whites, well, white. Many people turn to over-the-counter solutions, but those products can actually strip the enamel from your teeth, leaving you with a bigger problem than stained teeth. If you’re looking for safe and effective teeth whitening methods, your MA dentist can help!
Get a whiter smile with these tips from your trusted MA dentist, Smile Boutique! Here are three methods that won’t damage your teeth.
What Causes Yellow Teeth?
First, we need to cover what causes yellow teeth. Even with consistent brushing, certain foods can stain your teeth. The most common culprits include coffee, red wine, balsamic vinegar, black tea, and soda. Consistent tobacco use can also stain your teeth. The composition of these foods react with the enamel of your teeth, leaving them yellow, even with consistent oral care.
3 Teeth Whitening Methods Recommended by Your MA Dentist
Teeth Whitening Toothpastes
The simplest option is to swap out your cirrent toothpaste for a whitening toothpaste. Most major brands offer whitening varieties, including Colage, Crest, Sensodyne, and Tom’s of Maine. Several smaller brands also make whitening toothpastes, so there’s no shortage of options. If you’re overwhelmed by all the choices, get in touch with your dentist! Our team at Smile Boutique is more than happy to recommend the options we think are the best and right for you.
Teeth Whitening Kits
You can also purchase at-home teeth whitening kits from trusted, dentist-recommended brands. Teeth whitening products come in many forms, including gels, strips, chewing gum, and LED light systems. Ask your dentist for a receommendation based on your lifestyle and comfort level.
Natural Options
Some of our patients prefer natural remedies to whiten their teeth, and there are plenty of options that don’t involve exposing your teeth to chemicals. Here are some suggestions to whiten your teeth naturally:
- Eat More Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are part of any healthy diet, but they’re also good for your teeth! Crunchy vegetables can remove plaque from your teeth as you chew, and the acids in fruits such as pineapples or strawberries can break down the substances that stain your teeth without damaging the enamel.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda has long been a household solution for all kinds of things. Many natural toothpastes include baking soda, and some people brush their teeth with a paste of baking soda and water. While that’s not the most effective way to clean your teeth, if you prefer natural toothpaste, look for one that contains baking soda.
- Oil Pulling: Oil pulling is a natural remedy used to improve oral health that has been around for thousands of years. The practice involves swishing a natural oil (usually coconut, but sunflower or sesame work, too) in your mouth for 10 to 20 minutes without swallowing. It’s not a replacement for brushing or flossing, but it can whiten teeth and improve gum and overall oral health.