Smile! What do you see? The media may say that we are supposed to see pearly whites, but that isn’t reality. Based on what we eat, drink, and how we age, our teeth can lose that almost mythical white and instead become a dull yellow. Although this can be a natural process due to the thinning of your teeth’s enamel, you don’t have to suffer through it willingly. Happily, you have options for whitening your teeth, and here are a few to consider:
- Whitening toothpaste: You may think, “I have to brush, why not use a whitening toothpaste?”. This type of toothpaste lightens the colour of your teeth by removing any stains. Only use about once a week – too much is bad for your teeth.
- Whitening strips: These are small rectangular pieces of plastic that contains a tooth whitening gel. You place each strip around your teeth so that the gel can get into your teeth to lighten them. However, if your teeth are crooked or uneven, the strips may give patchy results.
- Professional whitening: Your dentist can also whiten your teeth. Peroxide is applied to your teeth, along with a light that can speed up the process. Your dentist can help ensure that your teeth are whitened more evenly and with less damage.
- Custom-made whitening trays: For cost-effective yet professional results, custom-made whitening trays may be the answer. Your dentist takes an impression of your teeth to make the trays. Hydrogen peroxide gel, which whitens your teeth, is added into the trays, which keeps the gel in place and peroxide away from your gums.
While there are convenient ways of whitening your teeth at home, whitening is the safest when performed with the guidance of a dentist. And of course, make sure you brush, floss, see your dentist regularly, and avoid foods that stain to make sure your teeth stay healthy and bright.