An honest and heartfelt smile has the most beautiful curves anyone can have. Smiling and laughing are recognized as kinds of communication present not only in humans but also in other mammals.
According to researchers from Harvard and Princeton, our brains are wired to recognize warmth in others much before we can access their competence. Indeed, nothing says “warmth” louder and clearer than a wide, bright white smile.
There are many quality products available, some reviewed on Dallasnews.com, which you can find in pharmacies and supermarkets today. However, despite those products being of great help, you should know a few things about your teeth’s health, what those products can actually do, and what you can do if you dont have them.
Anatomy – Brushing Your Knowledge
Before you buy a bunch of whiteners or look for your nearest authorized dentist, knowing what your teeth are made of is helpful. A human tooth has a few layers, including the pulp, the dentin, and the enamel, which is the outermost part. Although tooth enamel is stronger than our bones, it’s transparent.
It means the white color doesn’t come from the outermost part but from the dentin, which is covered by enamel. Despite its resistance and durability, tooth enamel can be damaged and stained with time. Unlike our skin, human enamel doesn’t regenerate. So, we must take special care of it. The best way to keep it healthy is to brush your teeth and floss regularly.
However, if enamel isn’t white, and it’s actually covering the white part, how does the whitening process work?
Know Your Colors
Whiteners can act only superficially, removing stains and clearing them a few (or many) shades.That said,, no whitener can resume your teeth to their pristine white. The process involves a blend of bleaching chemicals activated by light or laser. Only regulated dental professionals are authorized to offer this kind of service.
You can either do it with your dentist or opt for one of the many DIY options. Although those products are designed to be safe to use, some special care is still necessary. Some of them can have insufficient amounts of bleaching products, delivering somewhat disappointing results.
On the other hand, bleaches can be dangerous to the gums, mouth, and teeth since their corrosive effect can damage the enamel if left unchecked. While many salons are offering this service, remember that it’s dangerous to do it with unregistered professionals.
Natural Options
Although our teeth are bound to get yellow with time, we can delay this process even before using bleachers. The options below don’t replace a regular visit to your dentist, but they can help keep your buccal health in good shape.
Coconut Oil
Indians have been using oils to clean their mouths for ages. The process involves applying coconut oil to your whole mouth. This method, called “oil pulling,” helps remove the bacteria that cause plaques and stains. Besides the pleasing taste, coconut oil contains lauric acid, which kills bacteria and prevents inflammation.
Fruits and Vegetables
A diet rich in vegetables and fruits can also help you keep your dental health. Raw and crunchy fruits help remove plaque, although they don’t replace regular brushing and flossing. There’s no scientific evidence, though, that mixing fruits and baking soda affects the color of our teeth.
Steer Away from Staining Foods
Some products can stain our enamel really fast. Drinks like red wine, and coffee, in general, are among the most staining ones. However, the staining effect also has to do with how long the substance has been in your mouth. Brushing your teeth up to one hour after consuming those products can reduce their staining effect significantly.
Do’s and Don’ts
Specialists recommend whitening yearly or within 18 months. Pharmacy options can be used every four to six months. This procedure is meant to last, and over-repeating them in a short time frame can be dangerous. So, if you want to make that whitening effect last longer, here are a few do’s and don’ts.
Do’s
Keep a high standard of oral hygiene before the session. The chemicals will work better on well-brushed and well-flossed teeth. You can make it last even longer if you schedule that regular cleaning with your dentist before whitening.
Don’ts
Avoid acid and staining foods before and after the treatment for better and prolonged results. Dark foods and drinking, in general, tend to be more staining. If you consume such products, remember to brush your pearly whites as soon as possible.
Smile Confidently
Adequate dental health is essential for a bright-white smile. You can do a lot in your diet and at home to keep your pearlies ever-white. However, you might also need to resort to home whiteners or professional help for regular maintenance.
Read instructions carefully before using those whiteners, and be careful of beauty salons, as they don’t always have dental professionals to supervise them.
