Nothing quite lights up the room like a smile (especially after a good teeth whitening). It’s hard not to feel good when you see other people smiling and even harder to not feel good when you, yourself are smiling. And this isn’t just woo-woo talk. It turns out there’s actual science behind it.
When we smile, we produce endorphins that send a signal to the brain that triggers our reward system and raises our happy hormones, and makes us feel better. Knowing this, we ought to be smiling all the time. Here are five great tips to make sure that frown stays upside down and those pearly whites flash with pride.
Brush With Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
You, of course, want to be brushing at least twice per day for proper oral care, and when you do so, it’s a great idea to use a whitening toothpaste. Although whitening toothpaste is usually only effective on surface-level discoloration, it’s a good place to start. Be sure to check the label of your whitening paste to understand what you’re putting into your body. Some of the more common ingredients used are:
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Baking soda
- Activated charcoal
- Dicalcium phosphate
- Calcium carbonate
It’s also a good idea to talk to your dentist and see what kind of whitening toothpaste they recommend for you.
Watch What You Eat
Not only should you avoid certain foods known to darken your teeth, but there are also foods that you can use to your advantage when it comes to keeping that smile sparkling. For the best oral health, be sure to keep the following in moderation:
- Coffee
- Soda
- Red wine
- Tomato sauce
- Curry
- Balsamic vinegar
- Dark berries
And on the other hand, try to implement these foods that can help reduce plaque:
- Apples
- Celery
- Carrots
- Yogurt
- Oranges
- Pineapples
Aside from the great nutritional benefits, fruits and vegetables are also great for your teeth.
Use Whitening Strips
While they may not be a long-term solution for dental health, whitening strips are great in a pinch when you want a shimmering smile for a big date, party, or speaking engagement. There are many different brands available at the pharmacy, so be sure to do your research before you go. They also tend to be quite expensive, so they are best reserved for special occasions rather than an everyday go-to.
Avoid Smoking
There are a million reasons to quit smoking, and nasty yellow teeth is just one of them. When you smoke cigarettes or cigars, the tobacco gets lodged in your tooth enamel, which leads to an unsavory yellow or even brown color over time. Avoid smoking like the plague. Your lungs and your teeth will thank you.
Try Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is a traditional practice used by Indian people to improve oral hygiene. The idea is that when you rinse with oil you are removing bacteria that could potentially turn into plaque down the road. Traditionally, sunflower oil was used, but any oil will do the trick, including sesame, olive, and coconut.
Go to the Dentist for Professional Treatment
These are all great remedies to try out from the comfort of your home and are great for regular upkeep. If you want to take your teeth whitening to the next level, book a consultation with us to talk about our professional teeth whitening services in Temecula and Riverside.