Never underestimate the importance of taking care of your smile. When it begins to fade due to stains and discoloration, it can begin to truly impact your self-confidence and even how much you let your teeth show. That said, if yours has started to lose its luster somewhat, it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. Even if you don’t currently have the budget for whitening treatments in the dentist’s chair, you can start doing a lot to brighten your smile right now.
Ensure You’re Cleaning Thoroughly
One of the major issues causing discoloration is that a lot of people may not be cleaning their teeth as effectively as possible. If you don’t brush or at least rinse after each meal, then you give the food particles on and around your teeth more time to build up and stain the enamel. What’s more, you should look into switching out your old manual toothbrush, if you haven’t done it yet, for an electric option. The increase in effectiveness is considerable. Pairing your new toothbrush with whitening toothpaste can make it even more effective.
Use A Coconut Rinse
Although the effectiveness of oil pulling has not been thoroughly demonstrated and, as such, isn’t readily recommended by dentists, a lot of people have suggested that it can great help with your oral health. It effectively involves using a tablespoon of coconut oil (though sesame oil is also sometimes used), swishing it in your mouth for up to 20 minutes, and spitting. This ancient dental remedy is thought to improve oral health, whiten teeth, and manage the level of bacteria in your mouth.
Try At Home Whitening Kits
If you’re looking to make the biggest impact on the aesthetic of your teeth, then there really is no replacement for whitening treatments. With the help of a dentist, you can ensure you’re doing it as effectively as possible but, even if you’re not able to make an appointment yet, home teeth whitening kits can definitely help you make some progress in the right direction. These kits are available in a host of different formats, from strips to pens and gels, all of which are designed to rest on the teeth and to brighten their shade over time through repeated use.
Be Mindful Of What You Eat
While any food can stain your teeth if you’re not cleaning them properly, there are some that can do their damage at a much higher rate. Be sure to limit foods that cause stains as best as possible, whether that’s drinks like coffee, wine, and tea, or foods like berries. Eating these in moderation is still fine, so long as you make sure to rinse your mouth after eating them. On the other hand, eating crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots can have the opposite effective, stimulating saliva tha t helps to wash away debris in your mouth.
You deserve a bright smile that you can feel confident about. The tips above can help ensure that you’re moving in the right direction.
