Have you lost your spark?
You’re not alone. It’s probably fair to say that most of us are feeling a little jaded at moment. With all those usual pick-me-ups – a trip to hairdressers, getting your nails done, indulging in a spot of retail therapy – cancelled as part of lockdown. If on top of this, your teeth have lost their pearly whiteness and are starting to show signs of yellowing, it’s only going to make you feel every more dreary.
The good news is there are plenty of things you can do about it.
A quick internet search will uncover all kinds of home remedies, DIY whitening kits and weird and wonderful ways to brighten your smile (not all of them advisable to try!). And here we take a closer look at some of the most popular…
How to whiten your teeth at home
- Brush with baking soda – strange but true. Baking soda is actually a well-known tooth whitener (it’s even found in many toothpastes). So, if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to whiten your teeth at home, try simply using your toothbrush to gently brush the powder over your teeth. By sweeping in circular motions, the crystals in the baking soda will gently buff away stains and, voila, you’ll have a whiter brighter smile.
- Try a home whitening kit – a convenient and popular option, home whitening kits have become extremely commonplace. But approach with caution. Whilst kits can easily be bought online (usually relatively cheaply), they are often ineffective or have poorly fitting mouthpieces. Be sure to do your research and opt for home whitening kits from professional dentists and that are made bespoke to your mouth to ensure a proper fit.
- Use whitening toothpaste – swap your regular toothpaste for one that specifically targets whitening. Usually slightly more abrasive, whitening toothpastes tackle enamel stains and help you to brush away imperfections.
- Change your technique – teeth naturally yellow with age but plaque plays a large part too. So, if you’ve noticed a build-up of plaque starting to form, try changing your oral health routine. Simple things like making sure you brush at least twice a day and remembering to floss, can all help to keep teeth clean and preserve their whiteness. Remember to avoid swilling your mouth with water after brushing too. Why? Because this rinses away the remains of fluoride from your toothpaste and diminishes its whitening benefits.
- Rinse – ok so don’t rinse after brushing but do try a special daily rinse with saltwater. Antibacterial, salt not can not only help to shift stains it can also look after your gums too and is a great way to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Just mix a teaspoon with warm water and use as a mouthwash for a natural way to lift your smile.
- Eat right – we all know that certain food and drinks are guilty of staining our teeth – coffee, red wine, curries to name just a few. So it goes without saying that trying to avoid, or at least limit, your intake of these perpetrators can help you to maintain a whiter smile. There are also plenty of foods that can help too. Strawberries are filled with malic acid, a natural tooth whitener, which can help to tackle surface stains – yummy!
Get professional help
Whilst all of these at-home remedies can only improve the situation, the most effective and reliable way to restore the whiteness of your smile is to seek professional help.
Here at the Harley Street Smile Clinic, we offer whitening as part of our popular mini smile makeover. A fantastic way to brighten your smile and lift your spirits. And the even better news is that we’re open as normal, so there’s no need to wait!
To make an appointment or to find out more about whitening your teeth and the treatments we offer, simply get in touch. You can call us on 020 7971 1909 or fill in our contact form and we’ll get back to you.
