List of Habits That Will Make Your Teeth Whiter

According to a survey, more than 22% of Australians had their teeth whitened. The survey revealed that many individuals seek teeth whitening services without the supervision of professional dentists. This dramatically increases the risk of side effects.

As you look for ways to whiten your teeth, you may stumble on a variety of methods online with questionable efficacy. Even worse, some of these tips could actually damage your teeth.

In this article, we will cover a list of habits that will make your teeth whiter without compromising their structural integrity. Of course, will rely on evidence-based techniques that are budget-friendly at the same time.

1. Limit Foods That May Color Your Teeth

A bright smile is not just about brushing your teeth. As a preventive measure, you should consider the type of foods and beverages you consume.

Here is a list of culprits of tooth discoloration:

Coffee:

Coffee is notorious for staining teeth due to its dark pigments and high tannin content. Its acidity also contributes to enamel erosion, which makes teeth more prone to staining. Research shows that regular coffee drinkers have a higher risk of tooth discoloration.

Tea:

Similar to coffee, tea contains tannins that cause discoloration. In particular, black tea can stain teeth more than lighter teas. Studies have found that tea’s tannin content can cause significant staining.

Red wine:

Red wine’s dark color and acidic nature make it a common cause of tooth stains. It contains chromogens and tannins that adhere to enamel.

Carbonated drinks:

Sodas and other carbonated beverages are highly acidic and can erode enamel. There is a link between frequent consumption of these drinks to enamel erosion and discoloration.

Colored sauces:

Sauces such as ketchup, soy sauce, and curry stain teeth.

Speaking of foods and beverages, you should also limit smoking or stop it altogether. Of course, the benefits of smoking cessation extend beyond just the prevention of tooth discoloration. However, consider this another reason to push you to stop smoking.

Researchers found that nicotine turns the teeth yellow whenever they’re exposed to oxygen. At the same time, tar leaves a dark brown tint on the teeth. The latter is an ingredient of cigarettes. In fact, tar is also responsible for those classic dark lungs of smokers that you see online.

2. Don’t rush yourself while you brush your teeth

There is a ton of evidence that you should brush your teeth for at least 120 seconds. Additionally, you should do this twice a day. Of course, brushing your teeth before bed is indispensable.

The Academy of General Dentistry reports that the average individual brushes their teeth for a maximum of 70 seconds daily. Therefore, if you brush your teeth twice a day, it would mean that each session lasts 30-35 seconds. That’s almost 25% of the recommended duration.

To improve your adherence to the 2 minute-role, here are some tips:

• For those who use a manual toothbrush – Set a timer on your phone to ensure you brush for the full two minutes. Alternatively, you can purchase a tiny hourglass that’s set to 2 minutes.
  
• For those who use an electric toothbrush – Most models buzz every 30 seconds, so you should brush through at least four buzzes.

3. Include hydrogen peroxide in your oral hygiene routine

Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that kills bacteria in the mouth. You can use this ingredient to whiten your teeth or disinfect wounds.

Studies found that hydrogen peroxide with baking soda might have a synergetic effect. Differently put, the use of each of these products individually is not as effective as mixing them. In one study, researchers found that toothpaste that contained both ingredients whitened the teeth of participants by 62% in 6 weeks.

As a dentist in Craigieburn, many of my patients ask about the use of hydrogen peroxide. I always recommend that you use this ingredient cautiously. Excessive use of hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation and make your teeth more sensitive. Ideally, you would get the Phillips At Home Whitening Kit, which you can find in our clinic.

4. Get professional teeth whitening

Professional teeth whitening is perhaps the most effective way to get the smile of your dreams. This method is ideal for people with visible discoloration of the teeth or those who didn’t get satisfying results after the use of over-the-counter (OTC) products or at-home kits.

In-office whitening requires skill to avoid gum injury and may involve expensive equipment. This is why you need the help of a dentist.

The procedure takes 60 to 90 minutes and includes:

1. Shade recording – The dentist records the current shade of your teeth.
   
   
2. Teeth polishing – Pumice is used to remove plaque.
   
   
3. Isolation – Gauze and retractors keep your mouth dry and clear of the whitening solution.
   
   
4. Gum protection – A barrier is placed along the gumline.
   
   
5. Application of whitening solution – A solution with hydrogen or carbamide peroxide is applied to the teeth.
   
   
6. Activation – A curing light or laser activates the peroxide for 30 to 60 minutes.
   
   
7. Rinsing and fluoride application – Teeth are rinsed, and fluoride may be applied to ease sensitivity.
   
   
8. Post-Procedure Care – Avoid pigmented foods and tobacco for 24 hours.

Takeaway message

Teeth whitening is a simple procedure that yields impressive results. The brighter and whiter smile will make you feel more confident and boost your self-esteem. Just keep in mind that you need to approach this carefully to avoid scammer and harmful products.

We hope that this article managed to highlight the benefits of teeth whitening and the proper ways to do it. If you are looking for a dentist in Craigieburn, our clinic would be happy to offer you dental teeth whitening that’s safe, evidence-based, and long-lasting.

Keep in mind that typing ‘cosmetic teeth whitening near me’ on Google might show some businesses that provide teeth whitening without the supervision of a dentist. This, of course, can be counterproductive and cause severe damage to your teeth.

Ready to achieve a brighter smile? Book an appointment with our Craigieburn dentist today!