Many if not most people want bright, pearly white teeth; teeth that are yellow, blackened, or greyish in colour may seem old and very unattractive. Before you head to the pharmacy to pick up some whitening products, however, note a few tips for really getting your teeth pearly white, and ensuring they stay that way for as long as possible.
Note your daily habits
First, consider if there's something you're doing every day to discolour your teeth; this can include smoking and using chewing tobacco, or drinking lots of coffee and red wine. Poor oral hygiene can also allow your teeth to become discoloured over time. This includes brushing too vigorously or with a stiff, hard brush and abrasive products like baking soda, as this can cause pits and holes to develop in the teeth. Dirt and bacteria may settle into those pits, causing the teeth to look dim and discoloured.
Be ready to quit smoking and cut out your daily coffee and glass of wine if you want to get your teeth pearly white, and keep them that way. You also need to take your dentist's advice about how to properly care for your teeth every day.
Bleaching
Bleaching your teeth is often a good solution for getting them white, but be careful about bleach products you buy at the pharmacy. Most are either too strong and will damage teeth, or they're completely ineffective. Visit your dentist, as he or she can bleach or paint your teeth in order to get them white, without damaging them.
Covering
In some cases, your teeth are too stained to respond to bleaching. A cosmetic dentist can then put veneers over the teeth; these are artificial coverings that are glued to the front of a tooth, making the teeth look white. Veneers last for many years and are very durable, so you typically don't need them bleached or coloured again, as you do with your natural teeth.
Caps fit over your teeth and can make them seem white and perfectly aligned; if you're going to visit a cosmetic dentist for tooth whitening, you might also consider if this is a good opportunity to address any misalignment as well! A cap can also be your best option if your teeth are yellowed and otherwise discoloured due to damage. These caps will protect your teeth from breakage and eventual cavities, while also making them look bright white and healthy.
