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Tips For Facing Summer With A Bright White Smile

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With the summer season in full swing, it's time for sun, smiles and cookouts. All that laughter, smiling and bright sunlight will put your teeth on display. If you're concerned that your teeth aren't as white as you'd like them to be, don't dismiss it as something you can't do anything about. In fact, there are a few things you can do at home to help keep your smile as white as possible.

Hydrogen Peroxide

That same hydrogen peroxide you keep in your first aid kit for cuts and scrapes can also help you reduce bacteria and whiten your teeth. In fact, hydrogen peroxide is one of the leading ingredients in most home tooth whitening systems. Mix a little bit of hydrogen peroxide with the same amount of water and treat it as a mouth rinse. Do this daily for a minute or two before brushing to get the best results.

Just remember that peroxide will foam a little bit when it comes in contact with the bacteria in your mouth. It tells you that the peroxide is doing its job to eliminate that bacteria and brighten your teeth.

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is a newly popular treatment option though it's something that's been done for a long time. If you aren't familiar with the process itself, it involves gargling a few tablespoons of a plant oil for several minutes before rinsing your mouth with warm water. In most cases, it's done with coconut oil, sesame seed oil or something similar. Regular oil pulling can help to reduce plaque accumulation that can discolor your teeth. It also has some antimicrobial properties and can reduce the symptoms of gingivitis.

Baking Soda

Another natural whitening agent, baking soda is a great product for creating a paste. Run your toothbrush under water, then press the bristles into a little bit of baking soda. Brush your teeth thoroughly for a few minutes, taking care to reach every tooth. Rinse your mouth thoroughly after you've done this and follow it up by brushing your teeth with your typical fluoride toothpaste. The baking soda treatment will help brighten your teeth while your fluoride toothpaste helps to protect your teeth from other issues.

These home remedies are great ways to restore your bright smile before you hit the beach, but they aren't the only options. Reach out to a cosmetic dentist today to see what your professional whitening choices are.


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