So, your pearly whites don’t look quite so pearly or white anymore?
It happens to everyone. The natural colour of our teeth gradually (and subtly) changes over time. After all, we put them through a lot of hard work every single day – a little staining and yellow discolouration is inevitable. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to help.
Here our specialists suggest a few tooth whitening home remedies to help brighten your smile.
5 ways to whiten your teeth at home
1. Try a home tooth whitening kit
These have become an increasingly popular option in recent years, and it’s easy to see why.
Not only are home kits convenient, the results are incredibly effective. They typically include a whitening gel and mouthpiece – that is made to fit your mouth perfectly. By applying the gel to the mouthpiece and wearing it daily, your teeth should start to look significantly whiter in just 1-2 weeks.
Lots of home tooth whitening kits can be bought online (for a relatively low price). But these are often ineffective and, if the mouthpiece doesn’t fit correctly, the gel can leak onto your gums and potentially cause blistering and sensitivity. As such, the best option is to get in touch with a professional – such as Kiln Lane Dental – and purchase a bespoke kit made specifically for you.
2. Rinse your mouth
A simple saltwater rinse is sometimes all it takes to lighten up your smile. Salt is a natural antibacterial which can help to naturally whiten your teeth, whilst also looking after your gums. Just mix a teaspoon into a cup of warm, kettle-boiled water and use it as a mouthwash each day.
3. Change the way you brush
Yes, some tooth discolouration occurs naturally as you get older. But it’s often caused by a build-up of plaque. As such, simply sticking to a good oral health routine – and brushing and flossing twice a day – can help to remove stains and improve the overall appearance of your teeth.
You should also avoid rinsing your mouth after brushing (particularly on an evening before you go to bed). This can wash away the fluoride from the toothpaste and reduces its whitening benefits.
4. Use baking soda
Baking soda is a well-known natural teeth whitener and it now features in lots of toothpaste. Therefore, if you’re looking for a really cheap and easy way to whiten your teeth at home, check the toothpaste packaging before you buy and ensure ‘sodium bicarbonate’ is in the list of ingredients.
It’s also possible to use baking soda powder. Simply dip your toothbrush into the powder and gently brush it onto to your teeth, in a circular motion. The individual crystals will help to buff away any stains – without damaging the enamel – whilst also neutralising bacteria in the mouth.
5. Eat the right foods
Certain foods and drinks can stain your teeth (e.g. beetroot, berries, curry, red wine, tea, coffee). Therefore, to maintain a bright-looking smile, you should avoid these as much as possible. Instead, try to eat white foods – such as chicken, rice and fish – and foods that are firm and crisp.
Apples are a particularly good choice. Often referred to as ‘nature’s toothbrush’, they clean the teeth as they’re eaten and reduce bacteria in the mouth. Strawberries also contain malic acid, which is a natural tooth whitener and can help to remove surface discolouration over time.
Get in touch for further tooth whitening tips
If you would like to find out more about how to whiten your teeth, feel free to get in touch. Our experts are always on hand and happy to share their knowledge in this area. They can offer further top tips, answer your questions about the home remedies outlined above. Or, if they think you could benefit from professional tooth whitening in St Helens, they can book you in for an appointment.
Here at Kiln Lane Dental, we currently offer both home tooth whitening kits and ‘zoom whitening’ treatment – both of which are a fantastic way to brighten up your smile and restore your pearly whites. For more information, either give us a call on 01744 25776 during opening hours or send an email to info@kilnlanedental.co.uk and we’ll respond to your enquiry as soon as we can.