There is no better confidence booster than having a gorgeous, white smile. Sadly, that perfect smile can feel difficult to obtain when so many common foods and drinks stain teeth. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to upgrade your regular dental care routine and restore your teeth to their full glory.
Enhance Your Toothpaste
One of the best things you can do at home is to use toothpaste with baking soda. Many popular brands such as Crest and Colgate sell tubes of toothpaste supplemented with baking soda, but you can also add baking soda to any toothpaste by sprinkling a bit over your toothbrush before you begin brushing.
Another helpful home product is hydrogen peroxide. It contains natural bleaching and antibacterial properties, making it helpful for whitening teeth and killing bacteria that cause gum disease. If you are searching for a commercial toothpaste, try looking for one that includes both baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. You can also buy a bottle of hydrogen peroxide as to use as a mouthwash, but make sure you always use peroxide diluted to either three percent or 1.5 percent. If you cannot find a bottle that comes diluted, you can do it yourself by adding a proper ratio of water.
Use a Whitening Pen
If you are looking for speedy dental whitening, a whitening pen may be the answer. Teeth whitening pens are small tubes that contain a gel to bleach the tooth enamel. If you are headed on a date and need to add some shine to your teeth fast, whitening pens can produce a notable difference in as little as 10 minutes. With continued use, you may see long-lasting results after just a few weeks. The pens contain different ingredients and work differently depending on the brand, so do your research. Nicer Smile features a variety of the top whitening pens on the market and discusses the pros and cons of each.
Brush Properly
As your dentist has likely told you many times, good brushing habits are the key to a healthy smile. However, if you are using a low-quality or run-down toothbrush, you may not be getting the most out of your brushing. It is recommended to change your toothbrushroughly every three months, or as soon as the bristles become frayed and damaged. Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and never brush too hard. Some people mistakenly think giving their teeth a hard scrub or using firm bristles ensures a better clean, but hard bristles and over-brushing can damage your gums and tooth enamel.
The great news is that having a beautiful, clean smile is not exclusive to celebrities. These dental care tips can make tooth-whitening easy and affordable for everyone.