If your teeth have gradually changed colour over time, you might feel embarrassed about smiling in case anyone gets a glimpse of your not-so-pearly whites.
With holidays, summer events, and impromptu days at the beach on the cards – until at least the end of August – the last thing you want to worry about is your discoloured teeth spoiling the photos!
A quick Google search for ‘how to whiten teeth’ and you won’t be short of options. But how do you know which methods are safe and will work the best?
Below we share some of the most effective teeth whitening tips – as recommended by dental experts.
6 ways to whiten your teeth this summer
1. Eat the right foods
If you want to brighten your teeth, but don’t fancy visiting your dentist, the best thing to do is refrain from eating foods that naturally stain your teeth. Things like berries, beetroot, curry, soy sauce, tomato sauce, and turmeric.
Crunchy fruit and veg, such as apples, carrots, and celery, are great for teeth. They boost saliva production, remove plaque, and provide vitamins and minerals that help to strengthen your teeth.
And remember, if you eat or drink something that may stain your teeth, rinse your mouth with water immediately.
2. Cut down on caffeinated and sugary drinks
Tea, coffee, red wine, and fruit juices are all culprits of discolouring teeth.
Though some people need their morning caffeine fix to function properly, try substituting tea, coffee, and energy drinks for flavoured tea or hot water.
Milk is an excellent source of calcium which helps to keep bones and teeth healthy. Next time you go to grab a can of fizzy pop out of the fridge, pour yourself a refreshing glass of milk instead.
3. Use an electric toothbrush
Any toothbrush is better than none, but an electric one is usually better at cleaning the gums and teeth than a manual one.
With their smaller heads and vibrating bristles, an electric or battery-operated toothbrush makes it easier to remove plaque from every tooth. It can reach those awkward areas at the back of your mouth too, preventing gingivitis (gum disease).
Some electric toothbrushes come with a built-in timer that makes you aware of how long you’ve been brushing. And if you’re brushing too aggressively, they can emit a coloured light to remind you to brush more gently.
As a general rule of thumb, to keep your teeth clean and your smile bright, you must brush twice a day for two minutes.
4. Opt for a whitening toothpaste
A quick, easy, and affordable way to remove existing tooth stains is to use a whitening toothpaste.
You might be tempted to choose a product that contains bleach, as it can help to remove discolouration, but it’s not the safest choice if you have sensitive teeth.
Consider Icy Bear Diamond Dust. This uses gentle micro-particles of diamond dust to clean the surface of each tooth whilst restoring the natural whiteness of your teeth without causing any damage to the enamel. And it can be applied twice a day, like regular toothpaste.
5. Quit smoking
Smoking isn’t just bad for your heart and lungs – it can also stain your teeth yellow. This is a result of tobacco getting stuck in the enamel.
Although you could use an electric toothbrush and whitening toothpaste to try and shift the tobacco, the best thing to do is stop smoking completely.
Quitting smoking isn’t easy – but your teeth and health will certainly thank you – not to mention your family, friends, and colleagues.
6. Book an appointment at the dentist
For the best advice on whitening your teeth, it’s worth booking an appointment at your dentist.
When you attend your dental check-ups every 6 months, your clinician will likely inspect and clean your teeth to prevent stains and yellowing.
Dental practices that specialise in teeth whitening, like Kiln Lane Dental in St Helens, Merseyside, will also take into account the cause and severity of the discolouration, your general health, and whether you have any pre-existing crowns, fillings or veneers. They’ll also ask your preferred shade, how soon you’d like to see visible results, and what your budget is before they devise a suitable treatment plan.
And there you have it – 6 simple yet safe and effective tips for whitening your teeth in time for the summer months and the rest of the year!
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