Tips to Whiten Teeth at Home

Tips to Whiten Teeth at Home

Our teeth begin to lose their original white color as we age. Most of the food and drinks we consume stain our teeth and make them look less appealing. But, there are simple tips that can help with teeth whitening. Avoiding a few beverages is one of them as even a little tweak in our diets can improve the color of our teeth. To help you out, here are some steps to take towards whiter, clean, and healthy teeth.

  • Stay clear of these beverages
    Teeth staining is one of the main reasons for discoloration of the teeth. Beverages like tea and coffee can lead to teeth staining. Even our favorite soft drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices, sauces (especially soy and tomato-based) can stain our pearly whites. Add to this list that glass of red wine you may have sipped on over the weekends. Discoloration happens because foods like these might have a substance called tannin, which causes staining. If you want your teeth to stay white, avoid contact with these liquids.
  • Maintain your teeth daily
    This is a basic, yet top tip for teeth whitening that many often overlook. Teeth can stay white if you maintain mouth hygiene daily. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash to do so will keep your teeth strong and white. Brushing twice can clean the surface of your teeth, flossing removes plaque from their corners and keeps the tartar away. Finally, using an antiseptic mouthwash can prevent staining by washing away food particles between your teeth.
  • Say no to smoking
    Cigarettes contain tobacco, which can leave long-lasting stains on the teeth. The layer of tooth enamel withers as we age and leaves pores in the teeth. Tobacco often accumulates in these and can color the surfaces a dark yellow or brown. Cigarettes also have chemical additives that can weaken the teeth. So, quitting smoking can go a long way in preventing further discoloration.
  • Use teeth whitening trays
    If recommended by the dentist, whitening trays can be effective in restoring the white color of your teeth. These trays either come with a pre-filled whitening gel or come with syringes to inject it into the teeth. The gel whitens the surface and between the teeth. It can bring about a long-lasting whiteness as it slowly penetrates into the pores. Moldable trays work best as they fit your teeth effortlessly.
  • Eat foods that naturally boost teeth whitening
    One of the top tips is eating some foods can naturally help with teeth whitening. Strawberries have an enzyme called malic acid that can whiten them by reducing stains. Celery, pears, apples, and carrots also combat nasty teeth stains by increasing saliva production in the mouth that helps clean any stuck particles. Milk and other dairy products have calcium that can boost teeth whitening too. They minimize the chances of tooth decay, which is another culprit of discoloration of teeth.