Summer’s here!
That means fun in the sun and good times outdoors.
Maybe a whiter smile isn’t on your to-do list. However, with all the good times and gatherings, you know everyone will want to take plenty of pictures.
That said, make sure your smile is Instagram-ready.
Is it Time for You to Get a Whiter Smile?
No matter the time of year, a whiter smile speaks of a healthier, happier you.
The good news?
It’s so simple to get a dazzling smile!
You can try three different approaches for whiter teeth. The first method takes you to the dentist, the second to the drugstore, and the third to your pantry.
Heading to the dentist
Your dentist is good for more than just drilling your teeth, giving you root canals and handing you a hefty bill. (It might be time to cut out the sugar!) They can also apply strong whitening agents to quickly and effectively whiten your teeth.
One method is laser whitening, where the dentist uses a syringe to apply a whitening solution to your teeth. A small laser activates the solution, causing it to foam and lift stains from your teeth.
After the teeth are whitened, the solution is left on for a few minutes before being removed by a small vacuum tool. This process is repeated 2-3 times.
Another method your dentist might choose is to take a mold of your teeth to create a customized bleaching tray. A whitening gel is then placed in the tray and then seated firmly against your teeth for 30-60 minutes. The teeth are cleaned after that.
Stop by your local drugstore
Over the counter (OTC) whitening treatments are not as strong as in-office treatments. However, they’re definitely more affordable and easier to use. The most common of these are whitening strips, special toothpaste, and whitening trays.
If you’ve used whitening strips like 3D Crest White Strips, you know they work to give you a whiter smile. These small plastic strips covered in a peroxide gel are simply applied to the surface of your teeth for about 30 minutes per day. It couldn’t be easier.
Using whitening strips along with whitening toothpaste and/or mouth rinses can really boost your whitening power.
Another OTC option is a whitening tray kit similar to the one you would have at the dentist. These won’t be customized though and are far milder than the dentist’s version. Like the strips, they are worn only 30 minutes per day.
Peek in your pantry
Okay. So we’ll come right out and say it. Natural whiteners are just not going to be as effective as OTC or in-office treatments. They might make a minor difference.
At the very least, these natural whiteners are inexpensive and will leave your teeth feeling healthy and clean.
The latest trend in natural whiteners is called oil pulling.
It’s an ancient Indian remedy that uses the lauric acid in coconut oil to clear out the bacterial plaque that causes teeth to yellow. You simply swish around a tablespoon of coconut oil around your mouth for 10-15 minutes before you brush.
And then there’s the old standby: baking soda and lemon juice.
Take enough baking soda and lemon juice to create a paste. Clean off any excess saliva from your teeth and then apply the paste to your teeth. Leave on for one minute and then rinse off.
Whatever method you choose for a whiter smile, keep showing off those teeth! It’s summer, after all.
