Teeth Whitening: Ways To Make Your Smile Gleam

Teeth whitening has become big business in America. Whether it's through the dentist's office, or through a DIY kit, people everywhere have become consumed with wanting the brightest smile possible. It's perhaps no surprise. Hollywood has served up movie stars with blinding smiles for decades and it was only natural that the average person want to mimic what he sees on screen. While the shade of your enamel should not be directly conflated with your oral health, it has nonetheless become an important aspect of beauty. If you want to blow people away with your snow white chompers, here are some ways to make your smile gleam.

DIY

You don't have to look too hard to find DIY teeth whitening kits. They are everywhere. Drug stores, grocery stores, and discount stores alike carry plenty of solutions for those who want a brighter smile. Do any of them actually work? Consumer product testing says that some of them actually do. The true kits seem to work better than the toothpastes and mouthwashes, and there is only so much improvement you can expect from something over the counter. Still, it's relatively inexpensive and it's better than nothing.

Cosmetic Dentistry

If you want to go beyond what a home kit can offer, you'll need to visit a cosmetic dentist. They have medical grade teeth whitening products and tools that will make a dramatic difference in the shade of your pearly whites. Lights, lasers, and take-home trays can be used to remove years of staining and restore that blinding glow to your enamel. However, if you have tooth discoloration due to genetics, there won't be anything these solutions can do for you. If it bothers you, you may want to look into the possibility of caps. It should also be noted that simply keeping up with regular professional cleanings can do a lot for anyone who wants a white smile.

Preventing Stains

If you've had teeth whitening done, your top priority should be preventing your glowing smile from losing its luster. You can do this by avoiding the kinds of foods and behaviors that bring about a dingy smile. Avoid dark sodas, brush your teeth after drinking coffee and red wine, and follow any other instructions your cosmetic dentist gives you. One of the worst things you can do if you want a white smile is smoking. The tar from cigarettes settles and accumulates on your teeth. If you need help quitting, there are several alternatives such as the patch and nicotine gum that can ease your path towards giving up the butts.