Whiter Teeth: Only a few steps away

Teeth whitening is a must in the world of cosmetology.  Tooth decay and staining is caused by many factors such as age, eating habits, smoking, usage of drugs/chemicals, stress, trauma etc.  As we age, our teeth darken because they have been wearing down and accumulating stains for years.  In addition, increasing consumption of red wine, tea, sodas, oranges, coffee, and other acidic foods (citrus acid) lead to enamel erosion and staining of the teeth.  As the enamel rots away, the surface becomes more transparent, revealing the yellow-colored dentin.  Smoking habits can also discolor the teeth since nicotine leaves behind brownish deposits that soak into the teeth causing intrinsic damage.  Drugs such as tetracycline produce dark grey or brown stains, which are extremely hard to remove.  Severe trauma or stress can also result in micro-cracks that appear black as they collect debris and stains.  Nevertheless, no worries as there are many ways to get whiter teeth in just few weeks.

Prevent teeth staining:

1. Always remember to brush and floss regularly to prevent further staining.  Also, try using whitening toothpaste that are approved by American Dental Association.
2. Give up coffee and you begin to see the difference in just weeks.
3. Higher-fiber and whole foods also act as natural teeth cleansers.
4. Reduce the amount of acidic foods, citrus fruits, sports/energy drinks, sodas, vinegar, red wine, berries, soy sauce, coffee, and tea.
5. Visit your dentist twice a year in order to maintain healthy teeth.

How to whiten teeth?

1. Crush one strawberry and mix it with ½ teaspoon of baking soda.  Using a soft toothbrush spread it over your teeth and leave it on for 5 minutes.  Brush thoroughly using toothpaste to remove the mix and rinse.  Use this treatment weekly or monthly. .  Do not use it more than once a week.
2. Make a paste using two-three teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.  Add some mint or toothpaste for flavor.  Gently brush your teeth with mixture for at least two minutes. Brush again with regular toothpaste to remove the taste of hydrogen peroxide.  DO NOT SWALLOW THE PASTE.  Use this treatment weekly or monthly.  Do not use it more than once a week.
3. Try getting regular dental cleanings as they help remove most stains left behind by food, tobacco, and only certain chemicals/drugs.
4. Brush more often or after every meal to remove food particles that can worsen your teeth.
5. Eat foods that naturally whiten teeth.  Chewing certain fruits/vegetables can help salivary flow and can scrub away stubborn stains.  Some of these fruits/vegetables are apples, pears, guavas, carrots, cauliflower, and cucumbers.
6. Eating green vegetables such as broccoli, lettuce and spinach can prevent stains as they create a film barrier on teeth.  They can also help remove tough stains over time.
7. There are many at-home bleaching treatments.  Visit your local drug store to find out more.  Some of the most common treatments are whitening strips.
8. Another common at home treatment requires one to wear a mouth guard contain bleaching gel, at least two hours a day for two weeks or depending upon how severe the stains are.
9. Get your teeth professionally bleached.  New techniques have been quickly emerging due to revolutionizing technology.  Ask your dentist what he/she recommends.
10. A common in-office treatment coats one’s teeth with bleaching agent while periodic flashes of light are used to activate the solution.  This treatment takes about 30 to 60 minutes and might require several appointments.
11. A common, yet expensive treatment is to get veneers that are custom build and attached to teeth with resins.  It often requires removing small amount of tooth structure, making it most invasive and expensive.

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