Everybody wants to have a bright white smile, and many people turn to teeth whitening treatments to achieve the smile of their dreams. The New Year is a time that many people make resolutions, and many of these resolutions are related to health and physical appearance. Some people even choose to start Invisalign treatments or get their teeth whitened to start the year. Teeth whitening does not have to be difficult, and some things can easily be done at home to help get your teeth whiter. If one of your resolutions this year is to get whiter teeth, then keep reading below for some of the best teeth-whitening tips.
Top Tips for Whitening Your Teeth This Year
Teeth whitening options range from simple DIY methods at home to professional whitening treatments performed by your dentist. If you want to get whiter teeth this year, then follow the tips below.
Brush And Floss Regularly
One of the easiest things you can do to keep your teeth white is to brush and floss twice daily. Brushing and flossing help keep your teeth clean by removing food particles and other buildup on your teeth. It also prevents tartar and plaque, which can make your teeth appear dirty or more yellow. Many people remember to brush daily, but some fail to floss regularly. Flossing is an important part of keeping your teeth clean, healthy, and white, so do not disregard this key activity.
Stop Smoking
Smoking is bad for your health, and it is also bad for your teeth. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes stain your teeth, and years of smoking can lead to extremely yellow teeth since these stains continue to deepen over time. If you are trying to get whiter teeth, then quitting smoking will be a huge help. Luckily, stains caused by cigarettes often respond well to whitening treatments, especially if the stains are not too old. So, get a whitening treatment and stop smoking to keep the stains from reappearing on your teeth.
Use Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste is a simple and inexpensive method to help brighten your smile this year. Most whitening toothpaste is gentle enough to be used every day, but it can help remove surface stains from your teeth. Since some of these products contain a mild abrasive, they can potentially cause a bit of sensitivity. If you have extremely sensitive teeth, then you will likely want to use a whitening toothpaste made especially for sensitive teeth.
Limit Certain Foods And Beverages
What you eat and drink can have a big effect on the brightness of your smile. Some food and beverages will stain your teeth, so you should try to limit those items in your diet. Coffee, tea, wine, and soda are known for staining, so try to limit those beverages as much as possible. When possible, use a straw so that you minimize the contact that these beverages have with your teeth. Instead of dark-colored beverages, drink plenty of water or light-colored beverages. Some foods can also stain your teeth, such as blueberries and items with artificial coloring. After eating or drinking anything that may stain your teeth, brush your teeth to help minimize the chances of staining.
Use Professional Teeth Whitening
Although you may see some results with an over-the-counter whitening treatment, the best option is to obtain a professional whitening treatment from your dentist. The at-home kits may not fit perfectly, and they can allow the whitening agent to irritate your gums. Professional whitening treatments minimize the chances of this happening because they are often custom-made to fit your teeth. Plus, you will see much better results from a professional treatment because the whitening agent used is stronger and can remove more stains from your teeth.
Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Appointment Today
If you are ready to restore the luster to your smile, then contact Northern Virginia Orthodontics to schedule an appointment today. Our professional whitening services will make an immediate impact on the brightness of your smile. Get your smile several shades whiter quickly and easily. The New Year is a great time to get a new smile, and we can help you get the beautiful smile you have always dreamed of. Contact us today to get started.