Do you want a whiter smile? A bright white smile enhances your overall appearance and makes your teeth look healthier. There are many different options for teeth whitening from professional treatments to over the counter products with varying degrees of success.
If you’re looking for simple, affordable ways to whiten your teeth, consider these 3 easy at-home remedies.
- Baking Soda.
One of the best teeth whitening products is something you most likely have in your pantry right now. Baking soda has an abrasive texture that can scrub stains off your teeth. Start with a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup and gradually add water to create a paste. Apply the paste to your toothbrush and brush your teeth using a circular motion. Then rinse your mouth with water. You can mix the baking soda paste with toothpaste to improve the taste.
Repeat this process on a daily basis for a few days to a week or more until you reach your desired shade of white. However, if you experience gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, discontinue until it subsides. The abrasiveness of baking soda can cause gum recession and damage your enamel.
- Hydrogen Peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide is the active ingredient in most over-the-counter teeth whitening products from toothpaste to whitening strips. It has natural bleaching capabilities that can remove stains from your teeth. Pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide into a cup. Dip your toothbrush into it and brush it over your teeth. You can also rinse your mouth with peroxide as you would mouthwash.
Repeat this process for a few days to a week or more until your teeth reach your desired shade of white. If you experience tooth sensitivity, discontinue use until it subsides to prevent damage to your enamel.
- Certain Foods.
There are a variety of foods that are capable of whitening your teeth. The acidic content of fruit can be effective at removing stains. Strawberries, banana peels, and coconut oil are known to have teeth whitening properties. Crunchy vegetables can also help keep your teeth white by removing plaque. Dairy products such as milk and cheese contain calcium and phosphates that can strengthen tooth enamel to keep your teeth looking white.
Are At-Home Remedies As Effective As Professional Treatment?
While at-home remedies are somewhat effective at whitening teeth, you will experience the best results from professional treatments. Whitening treatments provided by your dentist are essentially prescription-strength products that contain different active ingredients, such as carbamide peroxide. Professional whitening treatments can be applied by your dentist in the office, or in take-home format you can apply yourself. The results are dramatic, yet natural.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening
Are teeth whitening treatments safe?
When applied according to instructions, teeth whitening treatments are safe and effective. The safest option is professional in-office teeth whitening because it is directly applied by your dentist.
Will teeth whitening make my teeth sensitive?
Mild sensitivity is a common side effect of teeth whitening. If it occurs, using toothpaste for sensitive teeth can alleviate any discomfort until it naturally subsides.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you’re interested in teeth whitening treatment, Dental Associates of Lodi provides both in-office and at-home options.
Call 862-247-8030 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
