Six ways to whiten your teeth

The internet has provided tons of hacks for brightening stained teeth. There are banana peels, lemon juice, strawberries and so forth.

The true question however is, do they really work? And there’s really no point in spending your time on something that’s not practical either.

Before you get discouraged, there are some DIY hacks that will brighten your teeth.

Below are a few hacks that have been tested by many and are actually effective in brightening teeth. 

1. Limit foods that stain your teeth

Some foods are known to discolour the teeth over time. Things like coffee, red wine, curries and sodas can actually stain your teeth. Consuming them too often could leave you feeling insecure about your smile. Protect your pearly whites by limiting these foods and drinks that tend to discolor them.

2. Activated charcoal

For good results with this, you need to use activated charcoal specifically. Any other charcoal won’t get the job done. Activated charcoal can get rid of common stains on your teeth. You can either use charcoal-infused toothpastes or the powder itself to do so. Charcoal can be a bit abrasive on your teeth and gums so use it sparingly and brush gently.

3. Gargle hydrogen peroxide

Gargling this occasionally will brighten your teeth. It contains great bleaching properties that give your teeth that extra boost you’re looking for. Although it’s not something that should be done every day, it’s safe to use. Swirl it in your mouth after mixing it with some water only for a few seconds because you don’t want it to stay in there for too long and cause other problems.

4. Use whitening strips

Whitening strips have had many good reviews ever since they were introduced into the market. People love them because they are easy to use and they don’t cost a lot of money. Also, most of them come in transparent strips so people can’t easily notice them. Each pack contains a number of strips depending on the brand you purchase and there’s a set of instructions on how to use them. With these, avoid overusing because they can irritate your gums.

5. Whitening lights 

This is another whitening product you can find. Basically, these have LED lights on them that actively speed up the whitening process over time. You’ll need to put the mouth guard on for a couple of minutes a day and you’ll notice a huge difference. The good thing is that the LED lights aren’t harmful. But you still need to be careful with this product and use it occasionally.

6. Whitening toothpaste

Whenever you brush, use toothpastes that have been specifically designed to whiten. They contain whitening agents that target those stubborn stains on your teeth. These are relatively easy to use because they don’t come with one hundred steps like some whitening kits. Your toothbrush and the paste are basically all you need to get the job done.

When nothing seems to work, go for a professional whitening procedure at the dentist. Be careful not to get too excited especially if you have fillings and implants. Consult first then go ahead.?