At-Home Teeth Whitening Tricks

It is common for orthodontic patients to want to whiten their teeth after they are finished wearing braces so they can make their smiles even more attractive. If you have undergone orthodontic treatment and wish your teeth were whiter than they are, there are many teeth whitening options to consider.

The most costly way to whiten your teeth is to have the procedure done at a cosmetic dentistry office. Professional teeth whitening is very effective at removing stains and discoloration to leave teeth several shades lighter. However, if you would like to save some money and whiten your teeth in the privacy of your own home, there are some methods you can try. Here are a few at-home teeth whitening tips and tricks to try that can brighten up your smile.

Use Whitening Trays Instead of Whitening Strips

While teeth whitening strips can lighten your teeth, they often do a poor job of evenly distributing the whitening formula on teeth surfaces. A better method to try is an at-home whitening kit that contains mouth trays and whitening gel.

Rinse with Water After Eating Citrus Fruits

Even though citrus fruits such as lemons and limes are loaded with Vitamin C, they also contain harmful acids that erode tooth enamel. This can make teeth stain more easily. After eating these fruits, be sure to rinse your mouth out with water immediately afterwards to wash the acid off your teeth.

Replace Your Toothbrush Often

Obtaining a whiter smile can be as simple as swapping out your old toothbrush with a new one regularly. A worn out toothbrush simply cannot clean your teeth properly as bent bristles cannot reach into all the tiny grooves and crevices on the surface of teeth.

Eat Lots of Fresh Veggies and Raw Fruits

Eating fresh fruits and crispy vegetables is not only good for your overall health, it can also help keep your teeth clean by removing surface stains.

Try Oil Pulling

Many people swear by “oil pulling” when it comes to whitening their teeth. This method involves putting a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth before brushing your teeth in the morning and pushing, pulling and swishing the oil around your mouth for 10 to 15 minutes. Then you just spit the oil out, rinse with water and brush your teeth. The lauric acid in coconut oil helps rid your teeth of bacteria that can make them appear darkened or yellowed.