Whether you’re a regular coffee drinker, you’re trying to kick a smoking habit or your teeth are naturally a little discoloured, feeling self conscious about your smile is a feeling many of us can relate to. Luckily, modern dental technology means there is now a wide variety of tips, tricks and techniques you can use to keep your teeth bright and white, without altering your everyday routine.
It’s important to bear in mind that whichever way you choose to whiten your teeth, it’s always best to consult a professional to ensure you’re not doing any damage. If you’re considering a more permanent option like veneers, Churchfield Dental are there to help with tailored consultations and expert advice.
Whitening your teeth naturally
If you’re looking to achieve a dazzling smile without heading to the dentist, you could try a natural remedy to remove the stains from your teeth. These help you avoid any chemical-heavy whitening treatments. Natural materials like charcoal, aloe vera, coconut oil and even ginger all have cleansing properties that can remove discolourations, ‘scrub’ your teeth of any stains and leave your teeth looking brighter.
As well as these natural remedies, it’s possible to whiten your teeth naturally simply by altering your diet. Drinks like coffee, tea and red wine can have a big impact on the colour of your teeth. By limiting yourself to just one morning coffee rather than drinking throughout the day, or cutting out tannin-heavy drinks and snacks altogether will help stop your smile from becoming any more discoloured. Similarly, crunchy fruit and vegetables like apples, celery and carrots can help promote a healthy mouth, and help your teeth stay clean, too.
Temporary whiteness
One of the most popular methods to give your teeth a brightening boost is to use a whitening gel or tray. These at home treatments use hydrogen peroxide to effectively bleach your teeth, removing any surface stains you might have in the process. Most home kits take a few weeks to work their magic. Be aware though, that home kits are only legally allowed to use a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, meaning you’re far more likely to reach the quick results you’re looking for if you visit a dentist or tooth whitening professional.
Whitening gels are usually applied to your teeth with a tray that covers them entirely, ensuring stains and discolorations are evenly removed from each of your teeth. If this option doesn’t suit your lifestyle, there are now a wide range of mouthwashes, toothpastes and even brush-on pens to help you achieve a quick white fix.
Achieving a permanent dazzling smile
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution to a whiter smile, particularly if your teeth are severely stained or you’ve chipped a tooth in the past, you could also consider veneers. There are two main types of veneers available: composite and porcelain. While it’s crucial to consider the options carefully with the help of a professional dentist, veneers are a great way to refresh your smile, with the confidence that your whitened teeth will stand the test of time.
Composite veneers are applied directly to your teeth, and so are a good choice for you if you have discolouration on one particular tooth. A more long term solution to achieving a white smile, composite veneers need to be replaced regularly, but will help keep your teeth whiter for a lot longer than home whitening alternatives. On the other hand, porcelain veneers are an irreversible procedure that means you can enjoy bright white, healthy looking teeth for between 10 and 15 years. Whichever option you’re considering, doing your research thoroughly will leave you with the cleanest, whitest teeth for as long as you need, whether you’re looking for a temporary fix or lasting freshness.
If you’re interested in achieving those pearly whites, you can check out this dentist in Kelowna now to start your journey to a healthier and brighter smile.