Many people aim to replace dingy or yellow teeth with a bright white smile to improve self-esteem and confidence. Fortunately, there are many ways to brighten your smile safely and naturally.
Why Teeth Turn Yellow
The most common culprits for yellow teeth include:
- Stains: Coffee, smoking, red wine, chocolate, and poor dental hygiene can all stain the enamel on your teeth.
- Enamel wear: When your enamel wears away, the slightly yellowish dentin underneath is revealed.
- Genetics: Some people are born with thinner enamel. This can give teeth a dull or even grayish appearance.
Five Tips to Whiten Your Smile at Home
Here are our top tips and tricks for getting whiter teeth at home:
- Improve your diet and adopt healthy habits: Before you start to whiten, give up smoking, avoid foods that can stain your teeth, and take good care of your enamel so you get pearly whites.
- Proper brushing and care: Use an electric toothbrush with soft bristles and brush gently for at least two minutes at a time. Frequent brushing removes surface stains and preserves overall oral health. The main drawback is that many people brush too hard, which can damage enamel and make teeth look more yellow. In addition, while brushing can help remove stains, it will not make a dramatic difference if stains are already present.
- Whitening mouthwash and toothpaste: Mouthwash and toothpaste with whitening agents do whiten more than traditional, non-whitening toothpaste and mouthwash. However, these products do not create dramatic results, even when used together. Some toothpaste with whitening components may be abrasive to your teeth so please check with us before purchasing!
- Avoid dry mouth: Producing saliva cleans out your mouth and can help prevent stains from forming. Chew sugar-free gum and consider rinsing your mouth with water after drinking or eating anything that can stain teeth. However, avoid brushing your teeth afterward, as this can push the stain-producing ingredient into your teeth.
- Fake it: You can make your smile appear whiter with a fake tan. Another option is to wear sheer, glossy lipstick in coral, berry, or blue-undertone colors. Experiment with different colors to find ones that make your teeth look whiter.
How to Get a Whiter Smile
As you learn how to whiten teeth naturally, it can be challenging to determine which method will work for you. If you have had white teeth in the past that now have become yellow, stains may be the culprit. At-home or dentist office treatments may be an option.
If your enamel has become thin due to aggressive brushing, aging, or genetics, at-home whitening may not help and may even make your enamel thinner. Veneers and other treatment options can give you a brighter smile.
When whitening your teeth, you may also want to take a look at your health. If you have pale gums or gum disease, your smile may not look as white. Work with your dentist to resolve the problem and get your oral health back on track.
Consult Your Dentist
Before you start any whitening treatment, you may wish to speak to a dental professional. This can save you a lot of pain, frustration, and disappointment in the future.
A dentist can help you understand why you don’t have the bright smile you want. They can offer options, including in-office whitening treatments that may be more effective and safer for your enamel. Your dental professional can assess whether you’re a good candidate for at-home whitening and offer tips to protect your gums from sensitivity.
Make an Appointment Today!
Do you need help getting the whitest smile? Are you interested in KOR whitening systems, veneers, cosmetic dentistry, smile makeovers, and high-tech ways to make your teeth whiter? If so, make an appointment online today or contact us to discuss how we can help you smile with confidence.
