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Who doesn’t want a brighter, whiter smile?
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But not every path to a brighter smile is right for every mouthand thats where the experts come in.
But theres more to improving the appearance of your teeth than picking mechanical or chemical whitening.
We’ve compiled the ultimate guide for at-home whitening, from do-it-yourself options and over-the-counter solutions to in-office treatments.
If yourteeth appear yellow, these treatments should work.
Combine baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
This combination is popular for a reason: It works.
In fact, each ingredient works on its own.
Both have their own whitening properties, but they can work synergistically when combined, saysMichael Wei, DDS.
Baking soda is slightly abrasive and can help to scrub away surface stains on teeth.
“The average toothbrush has 2,500 bristles, while the Feno Smartbrush has an average of 18,000.
Simply put, “Vibrations remove more stains,” saysMichael Apa, DDS.
Ultimately, whats most important is that youre brushing frequently, even if its with a manual brush.
Use a whitening toothpaste
Seems like a no-brainer, right?
“Instead, they exfoliate away new stains with silica, a gritty mineral.”
We like theSupersmile Whitening Pre-Rinse, which primes teeth for better whitening results.
Supersmile
Supersmile Whitening Pre-Rinse
Ulta Beauty
5.
Like strips, pens contain hydrogen peroxide and take about two weeks of consistent use to work.
But that doesnt mean you cant enjoy these things.
I would never tell my patients to stop drinking coffee.
You have to enjoy life, says Dr. Marashi.
And when you do eat or drink these particular treats, keep water on hand.
The same goes for white wineyes, white wine.
Dr. Wei also suggests waiting a half hour before brushing your teeth.
Brushing immediately after drinking wine potentially can spread the acid and staining pigments on your teeth, he says.
Saliva also acts as a natural buffer against acids that can erode tooth enamel and lead to staining.
So how can you make the most of this natural resource?
Chewing sugar-free gum increases salivary flow by stimulating mechanical and taste receptors in the mouth, Dr. Wei says.
Getting a proper evaluation is very important to ensure the most safe, comfortable, and effective teeth whitening.
And depending on your teeth and your dentist, the whitening method used may vary.
