If you already have a well-rounded tooth care regimen but are not satisfied with the results you’re getting with everyday brushing and flossing, then it’s time to consider more aggressive whitening treatments. There are numerous methods to whiten your teeth, and this article will show you some handy tips that you may not have heard of before.
You should keep in mind that teeth whitening only works for your real, natural teeth. It will not work on any crowns, veneers, implants, or fillings you have in your mouth. So if you have a lot of these, it may not be worth the expense of trying to whiten your teeth.
Rinse out your mouth with one percent hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide strips are expensive to buy and harsh on your teeth. Keep the peroxide in your mouth for at least a minute and make sure you do not swallow an excessive amount of the solution. Follow up by brushing your teeth.
Make regular appointments to have your teeth cleaned by a dentist. You need to schedule these appointments at least once a year. The discoloration on your teeth may not be caused by actual staining but simply by plaque build-up, which is difficult to remove without the professional tools your dentist has.
Be careful with what you eat and drink after whitening your teeth. Teeth that have just been whitened absorb colors and stain easily. After whitening, try to stay away from food and drink that is dark in color. Some drinks that will stain your teeth are tea or coffee.
Approximately half of all patients who try some sort of whitening treatment, especially those at home, will experience some level of tooth sensitivity as a result. If this happens to you, try lowering the concentration of the product that you are using, and see if that corrects the problem.
When using a teeth whitening kit be sure to follow the directions exactly as they are written. Do not think that if you leave it on longer that you are going to see better results. It can irritate your gums and could lead to some really serious problems down the road. The directions are there to be followed.
Peroxide may not taste great, but it is a great whitener for your teeth. Your dentist probably uses peroxide in many of their teeth whitening products. Peroxide can be so powerful that dentists can whiten your teeth in one visit. Keeping this in mind you should incorporate peroxide into your dental routine a couple of times a week.
Rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide before you brush your teeth. This is a natural remedy that is cheap and works well. It will help whiten your teeth and it isn’t as harsh as other whitening methods. Be careful not to swallow it because it will make you sick and possibly vomit.
When using over-the-counter teeth whitening products it is important to read and follow the directions very carefully. Don’t leave the strips or gel on longer than the instructions dictate, as this could lead to sores and problems in your mouth. Avoid drinking or eating acidic foods or beverages for a couple of hours after treatment.
Drink beverages known to stain teeth with a straw. If beverages you drink are known to stain your teeth and you must have them, then drink them through a straw. This will ensure the drink isn’t in direct contact with your teeth causing stains. This will keep your teeth whiter longer.
Avoid using any mouthwashes. They contain chemicals like alcohol that can be harmful for your teeth and your body. They can cause staining and make your teeth easier to stain. Rinse your mouth out with hydrogen peroxide if you want to rinse. You can also use water to rinse with.
To prevent teeth whiteners from bleaching your gums along with your teeth, rub a small bit of petroleum jelly on your gums before using whitening products. The petroleum jelly provides a protective coating that will help stop the active ingredients in topical whiteners from also bleaching your gums along with your teeth.
Before you being a tooth whitening procedure, know that whitening only works on teeth without any artificial surfaces. Whiteners have no effect on any dental work you might have, such as fillings, crowns, veneers or implants. Be especially careful about such work if it’s easily visible when you smile. If you whiten your teeth you may find that any dental work you’ve had done doesn’t lighten and looks out of place.
Tooth whitening is one of the subjects when the idea that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is especially true. It is possible to whiten your teeth but it is much easier to avoid having the problem in the first place. This can be done by avoiding specific things like coffee.
Do not expect any kind of teeth whitening methods to work the first time, even bleaching them. Many people think that it only takes one time to get their teeth sparkly white and give up when the one time does not work. Usually, treatments require a follow-up every few months.
One important teeth whitening tip is to make sure that you both brush and floss your teeth on a regular basis. This is important for your overall oral health as well as making sure that you are removing anything that will stain or discolor your teeth such as plaque or coffee.
You can see that you don’t have to settle for a dull smile if you have the know-how to get your teeth as white as they can be. Use the information above to develop a teeth whitening plan that you can live with, and you will be on your way to a permanently brighter smile and whiter teeth.