If whiter teeth are on your holiday wish list, these tips are for you. These quick whitening tips make your teeth white and bright in time for holiday festivities—without a lot of time spent on teeth whitening and the negative side effects of unsafe tooth whiteners (which can definitely dampen the holiday spirit).
Stay away from foods and drinks that stain.
Many of the foods and drinks at our holiday festivities, such as hot cocoa, tea, berry pies, and soda, can yellow teeth. Even a daily coffee can yellow and stain teeth. During the holiday season, steer clear of the dishes and beverages that sabotage teeth whitening. When you do indulge, drink water right after and brush your teeth as soon as possible.
Take tobacco out of your holiday routine.
Smoking chewing tobacco are both at the top of the list when it comes to teeth staining. When tobacco comes in contact with oxygen, it ceases to be colorless and yellows teeth. The tar in tobacco can also leave dark stains that can be difficult to remove. For whiter teeth, try to minimize tobacco use or give yourself the gift of quitting (use these tips to quit tobacco use). There are also other benefits of quitting tobacco use (besides whiter teeth) such as lessening the risk for certain cancers and decreased amounts of coughing and shortening of breath.
(Carefully) select a teeth whitening product.
There are quite a few teeth whiteners on the open market, and many of them come with a note of caution. Some teeth whitening products can injure, damage teeth, or cause tooth sensitivity; even natural teeth whiteners with acidic ingredients can wear down tooth enamel. Be aware, also, that tooth whiteners may not completely whiten injured teeth or dental work like fillings, crowns, and caps.
Instead, talk to your dentist about safe tooth whitening products. Your dentist can make sure you use a properly-fitted, safe, and effective teeth whitener. To ensure that the teeth are healthy before whitening, make an appointment to get teeth examined and cleaned. At the dentist appointment, the dentist can diagnose and treat cavities and tooth decay which should be addressed before whitening.
Make oral hygiene a top priority.
Regular brushing and flossing keep teeth healthy and white. Brush at least twice a day and floss before or after brushing teeth. Select a whitening toothpaste with an American Dental Association seal of approval; this ensures that product is effective and reputable.
