Almost everyone wants a whiter, brighter smile, so it’s not surprising that we get asked about this topic a lot. We want to start by stating that the best way to get a whiter smile is to consider professional teeth whitening. 

There are numerous reasons this is recommended above at-home remedies, but the take-home message is that it is simply more effective and ultimately safer. However, there are things all of us can do in our daily lives to have a whiter smile.

How to Whiten Your Teeth Naturally at Home

Avoid Stain Causing Food and Beverages

Naturally, over time many of us will experience staining to the teeth caused by the foods we eat and the beverages we drink. Therefore, one of the best things we can do at home to keep our smiles white and bright is to aim to avoid particular food and drinks that cause staining to the teeth. 

Some of the biggest offenders causing staining to the teeth include:

• Coffee
• Red wine
• Dark colas
• Dark berries
• Dark fruit juices
• Tomato based sauces
• Soy sauce
• Balsamic vinegar
• Colorful hard or gummy candies

Regular Brushing and Flossing

Be sure you are brushing and flossing twice daily. Additionally, you may want to consider brushing after consuming stain-causing foods and drinks to remove any residual particles on the teeth. You can also choose to use a whitening toothpaste approved by the ADA.

At-Home Whitening Kits

If you opt for at-home whitening kits, be sure you are selecting a product with the ADA seal of approval. This seal ensures it has been certified for safety by the American Dental Association.

We do caution when using these at-home kits. Many variables may go array, such as leaving the strips or trays on too long, mixing improperly, poor application, etc. Any of these errors may lead to increased teeth sensitivity, damage to the critical enamel of the teeth, uneven whitening, and more.

Eating Crunchy Foods

Eating crunchy foods like carrots, apples, and nuts can act like a scrubber – cleaning the teeth. These foods are good for your body and may help keep your smile bright.

Many Myths of Teeth Whitening

There are far too many myths around teeth whitening circulating today, with no scientific evidence to back them up. In fact, not all teeth may be eligible for whitening, and some of these false claims may actually do more harm than good. Read more in our article, “Teeth Whitening Myths Busted”.

Talk to your dentist today if you are interested in a whiter smile. They can best help recommend the right way to whiten your smile.