What is the Best Way to Whiten Your Teeth?
If your teeth are not as white as you want them to be, or as white as what they used to be, there are several remedies to whiten them. It is hard to get overwhelmed and confused with the dental whitening market, so it helps to know all the options available to determine what will work for you and your budget. Read on to learn more about them, and know the best way to whiten your teeth.
DIY Whitening Toothpaste
You can make your own whitening toothpaste with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, which is known to be effective and economical. Simply mix together one part hydrogen peroxide and two parts baking soda. You can also use toothpaste in markets that carry these ingredients. With whitening kinds of toothpaste, it is important to regularly brush with it using a soft toothbrush. If your budget permits invest in an electric toothbrush. It stimulates the gums and removes plaque better, and some come with timers to ensure that you are brushing long enough.
Whitening Mouth Rinses
For a rounded whitening routine, rinse, brush, floss, and follow it up with mouthwash. The active ingredients found in mouthwashes loosen any buildup for more effective brushing and flossing. Using rinses after brushing gets into gaps and crevices you missed, and gives time for fluoride to be absorbed by the enamel. Mouthwashes with hydrogen peroxide used twice daily for a few months can significantly whiten the teeth. Just make sure to avoid those that are dark in color as they can stain the teeth once their alcohol content evaporates.
OTC Whitening Gels and Strips
Whitening strips are thin strips usually coated with a peroxide-based stain. Many tooth whitening strips are required to be applied for at least 30 minutes. Initial results can be expected in just a few days of use, and complete results can show up in about four months of regular use. Whitening gels, on the other hand, are applied using a brush right on the surface of the teeth. Application directions vary from product to product and are dependent on the strength of the peroxide used.
Tray-Based Whitening Systems
These systems can be bought over the counter, or from a dental clinic. Tray-based whitening systems usually involve a tray shaped like a mouthguard and a whitening solution containing peroxide. You can find pricier products that use ultraviolet rays to speed up the whitening process. The tray is worn for a specified period of time – it can be a couple of hours a day or overnight – every day for a few weeks or longer. This will depend on the degree of discoloration of your teeth, and the shade of whitening you desire.
Professional Whitening Treatments
You will find many dental offices offering professional in-office whitening treatment procedures. These solutions usually offer the fastest and most effective results compared to the other options listed above. However, they can be expensive. Despite the many improvements in professional whitening treatments, you will have to get multiple treatments to get your desired results. They usually involve a whitening product directly applied to the teeth and are combined with light, heat, or laser treatment. Results can already be seen after a single treatment.
If you feel better about your teeth, you are more likely to put more effort you will put in their care and maintenance. Whatever your teeth whitening option might be – whether it be toothpaste, strips, mouthwashes, or professional treatment – having whiter teeth can significantly boost your confidence and improve how you feel about your overall oral health and appearance.
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