Don’t Be Afraid to Flash That Smile

Your smile is one of the first things people will notice about you when you meet them. Whether you’re trying to make new friends or close a deal, you can make a good impression with just a curve of your lips and a flash of white teeth. Stained teeth, however, might give a wrong impression of you. In this article, we give you some tips on getting your smile as brilliant as it could get.

Not everyone is born with perfect teeth. Some teeth just happen to be stained since the start, giving them a yellowish tint. But that should not make you despair; there are ways to reduce the stains. Check what you eat and drink on a daily or weekly basis. Do you drink tea or coffee every day? Do you usually pair your meals with wine? These are culprits in darkening teeth.  

Clinics often offer teeth whitening services, so ask your dentist about them the next time you drop by. It might cost you a bit, though, since teeth whitening is often not covered by your insurance. But the procedure is definitely is the best way to make your teeth whiter and stain-free.

Your teeth require regular maintenance, whether or not you underwent a teeth whitening procedure. Stains are often caused by bad dental hygiene. You can prevent them from being absorbed by your teeth by regularly brushing your teeth with toothpaste containing effective whitening agents. If you feel like your teeth aren’t getting the best cleaning they deserve, switch from your good old toothbrush to an electric one with accelerated action.

Whenever you eat something that can leave stains on your teeth, it would be good if you could brush the stain away as soon as you are done eating. If you take coffee with your breakfast, don’t brush your teeth beforehand. Do it later, after you have finished eating. Blackberries and blueberries can stain your teeth with their juices and darken them. When served dessert made of these fruits, make sure you have a toothbrush ready before you sit down to eat them.   

While whiter teeth can be achieved through over-the-counter products, that does not mean they are always effective. These products often contain mostly hydrogen peroxide, a common ingredient in bleaching, so you must exert the greatest care when applying it to your teeth. Make sure you get the package instructions right without overdoing it. These products are not to be applied daily; some need to be applied only two to three times in a year. Using them often might be harmful to your health.

Also, keep in mind that the liquid whitening products might irritate your mouth or gums, so you have to be prepared in case this happens. Georgetown University once conducted a study that showed that tooth whitening products can be a cause of tongue cancer. When using these whitening products, be they strips or gels, don’t forget to read and follow the instructions properly.

Good dental hygiene and a little help from your dentist or whitening products will have you flashing your killer smile without fear. But keep yourself safe from possible consequences by consulting with your dentist, reading the instructions, and practicing some common sense.