How to Brighten Your Smile

Do you want a brighter smile? Here are some ways to achieve a glistening grin. 

The first step to brighter-looking teeth is prevention. Be sure to brush your teeth with a medium-firm bristled toothbrush for at least two minutes twice a day. Do not apply too much pressure as that can cause gum recession and lead to other problems down the line. To further the effects you can try using special whitening toothpaste that has been approved by the American Dental Association. 

Another preventative move is to avoid foods that can stain your teeth like coffee, red wine, and dark sodas. If you can’t give up these beverages, try drinking them through a straw. If you feel guilty using disposable straws, there are plenty of reusable ones out there – some that are even compact for travel! 

The next step is the use of other topical applications such as:

WHITENING STRIPS

When used correctly, these can have wonderful effects. Be sure to read all the instructions first and follow them. Some ingredients can cause your teeth to be sensitive and even damage your gums when left on too long. Be sure to call us at (503) 328-6388 if you are having any adverse effects. 

FOODS

Certain foods have properties that can help whiten your teeth. Believe it or not, strawberries can help whiten your teeth. They contain an enzyme called malic acid. This acid can help brighten your smile. However, the results might not be very profound. Pineapples also have an enzyme – this one is called bromelain – that can remove stains. Banana peels can even help remove light topical stains when rubbed on your teeth – just don’t chew and eat the peel! 

DIY

Be very careful when trying some DIY recipes. The internet is full of all kinds of “safe” home remedies. But just because the products themselves seem safe, that doesn’t mean they are safe to be used in concentration on your teeth! And other concoctions are just messy, time-consuming, and don’t even work well. There are many elements that are needed to whiten teeth – and one alone will not do the job. Never hesitate in asking one of our dental professionals at Hood View Dental before starting a DIY regime. We’d rather steer you in the right direction than fix problems that result from the method later. 

TRAYS

There are some at-home options that include trays that are filled with whitening agents. These can be more effective than the above-listed options, but always consult a dentist before taking any drastic measures. We at Hood View Dental are more than happy to discuss the pros and cons of at-home trays. 

Throughout Gresham, Fairview, Portland, Troutdale, Damascus, and the surrounding areas people want bright white teeth. And the best way to get the whitest teeth possible is to consult a dental professional. Our team at Hood View Dental frequently performs teeth whitening procedures. Go back and look at old pictures of yourself. Do your teeth seem dimmer and less white now? Or did you get your braces off and notice some differences between where the brackets were and the parts of your teeth that were not covered? Even if it has been a while, we can still take a look and let you know what we can do to best help.

Everyone wants a big beautiful smile. Give us a call at  (503) 328-6388 to discuss what option is best for you.