Around 80% of American’s want whiter teeth, and they spent over $1.4 billion on over-the-counter whitening products in the last year.
Unless you’re living under a rock, there’s no doubt you’ll have heard whispers of ‘hacks’ on how to whiten teeth.
However, some of these hacks are ineffective, and some are downright dangerous. So, if you’re looking to enhance your smile, make sure you do it the right way.
Read on to learn about how to whiten your teeth safely.
1. Eat the Right Foods
When people wonder what causes yellow teeth, black coffee and cigarettes usually come to mind.
But, there’s more to it than that. You may not have heard this one before, but there are foods you can eat to make your teeth brighter.
Apples, dairy products, nuts, broccoli, carrots, raw onion, and strawberries can all help brighten your smile. These foods contain acid compounds and abrasive properties that can whiten teeth.
2. Use Whitening Toothpaste
If you’re only looking to enhance your smile day-to-day, invest in whitening toothpaste. These products can help remove surface stains caused by dark foods, drinks, and cigarettes.
However, whitening toothpaste will not be able to change your natural tooth color or penetrate deep staining.
3. Use Whitening Strips
Whitening strips were all the rage in 2020 as they can lighten your teeth by up to two shades overnight. However, take caution when using whitening strips as they can cause extra tooth sensitivity and irritate your gums.
If you’re buying whitening strips, make sure you get them from a reputable shop that is licensed to sell this type of product.
4. Use Blue Light Whitening Kits
2021 said goodbye to whitening strips and hello to blue light smile kits. These kits use blue LED light to brighten many people’s smiles.
Take caution with these kits. In theory, they can work; however, many scam companies provide useless light kits that won’t affect your teeth.
If you’re buying a blue light kit, do extensive research first and talk to your dentist about the best options for you.
5. Get Professional Whitening
If you want the best teeth whitening results, it’s best to consider professional dental work. Dentists can provide a full consultation on how to strengthen your teeth whilst getting the shade you desire.
Prices vary, but if you visit a qualified dentist, you can depend on quality. Before your visit, you should prepare a list of questions for them. If you’re wondering what to ask your dentist, just write down your concerns and your goals, and they’ll help you out.
Now You Know How to Whiten Teeth Safely
That’s the down-low on how to whiten teeth – either at home, or at the dentist. Depending on your needs, there’s a different solution that’s best for everyone.
However, make sure to do your research first and work out which is the best option for your healthy smile.
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