"Say cheese. Now, smile just a bit more... that's it... click ."
You'd probably be able to smile much more if you weren't so insecure about your teeth, which are beginning to look more like eggs yolks than whites.
With these tips on how to make your not-so-pearly whites, whiter, and how to ensure they don't turn yellow to begin with, you'll be smiling bright in no time.
say ahhh...Before trying any kind of tooth whitening procedure, it's strongly suggested that you visit your dentist for a consultation.
Your dentist can recommend what is referred to as a chair-side treatment, which is an expensive but effective way to have your teeth professionally bleached. This "power bleach" requires one sitting at the dentist's office and lasts from 30 to 120 minutes (depending on the technique), and comes with a hefty price tag (from $390 - $1,200 USD), but assures that you leave the dentist with white teeth, once and for all.
This is the safest method, but may cause your teeth to be more sensitive after the treatment.
over-the-counterThere are at-home bleaching kits that are available over-the-counter, but the American Dental Association (ADA) does not recommend these. Although they are less expensive than the chair-side treatment, they are not as effective and must be used daily for approximately 2 weeks.
While this method is less expensive, there are costs associated with its use: side-effects include irritation of the gums, due to the gel, and whitening of the gums.
custom-made kit
If you don't want to spend the price of professional bleaching, you can still use the method at home, but rather than an over-the-counter kit, you can have your dentist prepare a custom-made tray for your mouth and provide you with the tooth whitener.
This is as safe as the first option, but while it is less expensive (at $300 - $500 USD), it takes longer. At the end of the treatment, you are required to visit the dentist again for a follow-up appointment.
porcelain veneers
Another option altogether is having your dentist custom-make porcelain laminate veneers to cover your teeth. These will be permanently bonded to your teeth, and enable you to eat the same foods as before (except for excessive sugar, of course). This option is expensive ($700 - $1200 USD per tooth!), and requires several visits to the dentist (might not be too bad if the assistant is cute).
Now you're probably guessing that tooth-whitening pastes can bleach your teeth... well, they don't exactly bleach your teeth, they only prevent your teeth from becoming more stained.
the pastiesWhile every whitening toothpaste on the market drills us with commercials on how sparkling our teeth become with these products, they do not actually whiten teeth -- they only prevent teeth from becoming yellow, especially when faced with uncontrollable factors such as aging.
This is an inexpensive and effective way to prevent your teeth from needing other tooth whitening methods in the first place.
Thanks to the baking soda found in whitening toothpastes, this is an effective prevention method, which brings us to another one altogether.
bake that soda
This may not be the most effective method, but rumor has it that brushing with a mixture of baking soda and water, in addition to brushing with regular minty toothpaste, can help prevent teeth from becoming stained.
coke is it
While you may need your daily fix of cola, coffee, tea, and a cigarette in the morning, these products tarnish your teeth horrendously. Red wine may be great at the end of the day (along with coffee, cola and a cigarette), but it also stains your teeth.
you are what you eat
Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet has many advantages in the way of keeping your body in good shape and strong -- and this includes your teeth. Refrain from eating too much candy, chocolate and other sugar-based products, as these cause tooth decay.
antibiotics
Some forms of antibiotics can cause your teeth to become yellow; since you can't avoid taking these if they are prescribed to you, consult your dentist if staining does occur.
Taking care of your teeth is essential in your fight to keep them white, especially against aging and uncontrollable dental problems. Floss daily, and brush your teeth at least twice a day. This will remove the plaque from building up and will keep your smile healthy.
see your dentist
And finally, make sure to visit your dentist twice a year, to get your full cleaning, cavity-check, and whatever professional dental care you may need.
It's very important to visit your dentist before taking any actual tooth whitening measures yourself.
A final note: As frustrating as it may be to have stained, yellowish teeth, never try to scrape the stains off yourself.
With these helpful tooth-whitening tips, you'll be smiling all the way to... well, everywhere.
By Health Fitness InfoCentre
