Wishing You Had White Teeth? Here’s What You Should Know

If you’re like most people, you realize the value of a white, bright smile — and you may be feeling self-conscious because your smile isn’t as dazzling as you’d like it to be. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways available to those who’d like to have whiter teeth. Strategies range from natural, at-home methods that achieve some degree of success for those with mild discoloration and staining to in-office procedures performed by a skilled dentist designed for teeth with more serious, stubborn stains. Here’s what you need to know about having whiter teeth.

Limit Foods and Beverages That Can Stain Your Teeth

One of the most important things to do if your teeth are prone to staining is to avoid foods and beverages that are known to cause stains, such as coffee, black tea, blueberries, and red wine. However, if you’re like most people, you don’t want to give up your favorite things, so make sure you brush your teeth thoroughly after indulging in anything that could stain your teeth. You can also enjoy your favorite beverages by drinking them from a straw to prevent them from having any contact with your teeth.

You can also make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to brush your teeth when you notice they’ve become slightly stained.

Consult With Your Dentist About Your Whitening Options

If simply limiting stain-causing food and beverage items isn’t enough, make an appointment with your dentist to discuss your whitening options. Chairside bleaching is the most common whitening procedure currently performed, but it’s not always the right choice for everyone, especially those whose teeth are deeply stained. Most modern dentists use laser technology to activate the hydrogen peroxide once the mixture is applied to the teeth.

If your teeth are only lightly stained, your dentist may recommend a whitening toothpaste instead. On the other hand, if your teeth are too deeply stained to benefit from in-office whitening procedures, your dentist may recommend having crowns put on.

Please don’t hesitate to call our office and schedule an appointment if you’d like to find out more about achieving the bright, white smile of your dreams.