A bright, white smile can easily be taken for granted, but we surely notice when it’s gone. Stains, discolouration, and other dental issues can lead to a serious drop in self-confidence. As we get older it’s almost impossible to avoid some degree of discolouration and dental wear and tear. Teeth become discoloured by foods, drink and smoking that stain the teeth, or by way of changes inside the tooth. Most people are aware of the discolouration associated with drinking coffee, tea, red wine, cold soft drinks, and smoking, but how do we get rid of those stains? Follow this guide on how to restore a healthy, white glow that will boost your confidence.
Teeth Whitening
At-home whitening kits can be a great way to restore the brightness to your smile without having to spend the time and money on a trip to the dentist. The best teeth whitening kits work to reverse the discolouration on your teeth and return the natural white glow of young, healthy teeth. Most kits will have your teeth whiter and brighter within a week using a whitening formula applied to your teeth and held in place with a mouthguard, or an on the go whitening pen. The kits are affordable and easy to use and perfect for people who work in the spotlight, such as presenters, actors, models, and public speakers, that need to stay on top of the whiteness of their smile.
Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables
If the main cause of your woes is plaque, then eating apples and other crunchy fruits and vegetables can help keep your teeth clean. Apples help remove the bacteria on your teeth and scrub away the stains, and their acidic juice helps dissolve the stains. The malic acid found in certain fruits are what make them an effective agent in breaking down stains and plaque. Perhaps the old proverb about having an apple a day to keep the doctor away was talking about dentists, and most people would much prefer eating an apple a day than taking a trip to the dentist.
Natural Remedies
Oil Pulling and using Apple Cider Vinegar are gaining traction as a legitimate way to brighten teeth and aid in dental hygiene. While there is no scientific evidence to back these methods up, they have been used for some time as a home remedy. Coconut oil is the most popular choice for oil pulling and has antibacterial properties. You can use coconut oil daily to reduce bacteria, and aid with reducing plaque and gingivitis.
To effectively oil pull with coconut oil, place a spoonful in your mouth (allow it to warm up and liquefy if you live in a cool climate), and swish around the mouth for 10-20 minutes first thing in the morning, being sure to pull the oil between your teeth. Spit the oil out once you have finished. Apple Cider can be used as a natural mouthwash do kill bacteria and whiten the teeth. However, due to its acidity it should not be used every day.
There are a number of recommended ways to whiten your teeth, but the most important treatment is to regularly brush and floss your teeth to keep your mouth clean and prevent the buildup of plaque. It’s also important to remember to rinse your mouth with water after having coffee, tea of red wine, and do your best to quit smoking. Once you return your teeth to a beautiful white, try to keep them that way by brushing regularly and flossing at least once a day.