Ever look in the mirror while you’re wearing a white shirt and realize your teeth are not as white as you thought? Note to self: time to buy some Crest whitening strips.
But aren’t whitening products expensive? Luckily, they’re really not. And whitening products aren’t only for celebrities and the wealthy.
Look Like a Celeb
Even those who won’t admit it would love the broad, white smile of a Hollywood hero. Is a large vanity budget all that sets them apart, or do they know something you don’t?
Before thinking too much about removing the stains, consider what’s causing the stains in the first place–because once you DO erase the stains, you’ll be back to square one pretty fast if you don’t tackle the source.
Coffee, black tea, and red wine leave dramatic stains. Unfortunately, those are pretty hard to give up. Instead, consider diluting your coffee and tea with milk, and either brushing immediately after drinking any of these beverages or at least rinsing with water.
Also, avoid carbonated drinks–they will erode your teeth, creating tiny craters where stains will become unreachable.
Whitening Products for Everyone
Whitening products are for anyone who cares about their appearance. Better yet, they’re for every budget.
In fact, for very little, you can buy Crest 3D whitening toothpaste and Crest 3D whitening rinse and see results in as little as 14 days. Now, if the stains are severe, this isn’t the answer–but it is a place to start.
Higher-priced kits are also available in most places that sell tooth care products. These are great and can be used every three to six months after you do the initial de-staining.
Seeing a Professional
Of course, if you have the resources, having a professional whitening treatment is also simple and effective. Is that how celebrities manage? Probably.
A dentist registered with the General Dental Council can perform professional-grade laser treatments to eliminate stains. Note: this should only be performed by a dentist–whitening salons without a real dentist are illegal and dangerous.
Laser treatments are done over several visits, so don’t expect to pop in before a big date and leave with perfect teeth.
Another great though costly tool a dentist can provide is dental trays that are created from a model of your own teeth. Once you have the trays, you use a special gel to whiten on a prescribed schedule.
Do What You’re Able
Pearly white teeth don’t have to come at a high price. Remember the basics before you stress about pricey treatments:
- Brush at least twice a day. Be gentle! Use a toothpaste with hydrogen peroxide in it.
- Either avoid coffee, tea, and wine or rinse and brush after you drink them.
- Try the products you can afford, like whitening strips, whitening toothpaste, and whitening rinses.
- Whatever treatment you choose, do it before bed to maximum effectiveness–you won’t be eating or drinking for hours.
- Even if you don’t plan to have your dentist whiten your teeth, still inquire about the proper (and less costly way) method to use at home.
That next look at your teeth when you’re wearing white will soon not be as startling if you start following these steps today!