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Surface stains on teeth are mostly caused by specific foods and beverages like coffee. Some of them may even wear down enamel and increase yellowing. However, these stains can be removed even in the comfort of your own home. These tips may help you keep your teeth healthy and shiny, with almost no effort.
Brushing and Flossing
Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the best and most efficient methods you can use to ensure that your smile stays beautiful and shiny. Brushing your teeth regularly is one of the most important things you can do if you want to keep your mouth clean and your teeth looking as white as pearls. Toothpaste is made to gently scrub off any stains from the surface of your teeth. Whitening toothpaste kind of work the same way, but they contain more ingredients. They don’t bleach your teeth. Flossing is also crucial because it helps you get rid of food and bacteria that could harden into plaque. That’s what makes your teeth look much darker and dull.
Oil Pulling
One of the most popular techniques when it comes to teeth whitening at homes is definitely oil pulling. It’s even approved by many dentists. All you need to do is swish a tablespoon of any kind of oil you choose, such as sesame, coconut, or olive oil, all-around your mouth to get rid of bacteria. Do this process for about 20 minutes. Coconut oil is especially thought to be very effective at teeth whitening. A recent study even showed that it could prevent tooth decay, even though there is no proof that it can actually leave a sparkle.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is great for teeth whitening. It is a mild abrasive that can scrub away all the stains that are stuck on the surface of the teeth. You can even try to make your own paste of baking soda, or you can choose to switch to toothpaste with sodium bicarbonate. Studies have shown that using toothpaste containing soda will help remove surface stains over time.
Hydrogen Peroxide
On the other hand, you can try using a bleaching agent called hydrogen peroxide, which actually changes the tooth’s color. Studies have actually shown that using an over-the-counter gel with 6% hydrogen peroxide can make a noticeable difference after two weeks. However, cheaper bottles of liquid you can find in drugstores usually have a lower percentage, and the American Dental Association says swishing will end up irritating your gums more than whitening your teeth.
Can You Whiten Teeth With Braces On?
One of the most frequently asked questions people ask is, ‘Can I whiten my teeth even during an ongoing orthodontics treatment?’ Or, in other words, can people with braces whiten their teeth? And the answer is yes, of course. You can choose to go to a professional. In this case, you may only need one or two visits to their office. The process of professional teeth whitening is often referred to as “chairside bleaching” or “in-office whitening”. During this process, the dental professional will be applying a powerful agent to your teeth, and then they will use a special light to speed up the process. However, if you can’t afford professional teeth whitening, there is a way for you to do it yourself at home too. You can mostly use all of the methods mentioned above but be extra careful and gentle with your braces, especially when scrubbing your teeth with baking soda.
Watch What You Eat
Lastly, the food that you eat is also very important for keeping your teeth white and shiny. By being careful what you eat, you will be able to prevent surface stains that are hard to remove once you’re stuck with them. In order to avoid having stains on your teeth, you should probably avoid foods such as dark berries and drinks such as coffee, red wine, and soda. You don’t have to give them up completely, but enjoy them in moderation. Just make sure you are rinsing with water right afterward. This way, you’re ensuring there is less chance for these foods and drinks to affect your teeth. Also, try to wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth in order to protect enamel. Some other things that may cause stains are smoking ad chewing tobacco.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many ways you can either whiten your teeth or even possibly prevent some of those surface stains by avoiding certain food and drinks altogether. However, it is always a safe option to also consult a professional before trying anything at home. This way, you’ll be sure that what you are doing is 100% safe for your teeth.