How to Whiten Your Teeth

There’s a massive online advertising campaign at the moment.  It purports (we have not been able to check this out) to have been discovered by a single-mother.  She had yellow teeth but could not afford to have her teeth whitened professionally.  The campaign states that to whiten your teeth you can use two readily available toothpastes and an readily available preparation containing hydrogen peroxide.

Using Hydrogen Peroxide to Whiten Your Teeth

Some sources suggest sluicing a capful of hydrogen peroxide around your mouth.  They fail in most cases to caution readers that they MUST NOT swallow the hydrogen peroxide.  DO NOT swallow hydrogen peroxide if you try this method.  When we discussed this in our office we all decided that we would not even try it out.  We were particularly worried about the long term effects of sluicing 2-3 times a week with hydrogen peroxide.

Not Using Fluoride Toothpaste

Some reports claim that using toothpastes containing fluoride yellows teeth.  We stopped using fluoride toothpaste three weeks ago and can report some improvement in the whiteness of our teeth in this office.  However, caution should be taken as fluoride is beneficial in stopping tooth decay.  We decided to go forward with this because here in the UK fluoride is added to the drinking water and we all drink at least three pints of it every day in our office.

Abstaining from Foods and Drinks which Cause Teeth Discolouration

If you drink red wine and black coffee and tea you will notice an improvement in your teeth colour if you cut them out of your diet.  The same if you cut out curries and other foods which contain food colourings (natural or added by the manufacturer).  Curries which contain Tumeric are the most harmful to teeth colour.  However, if you enjoy red wine, black coffee, tea and Tumeric coloured foods in moderation (as a couple in this office do) you can ensure that you brush your teeth after drinking or eating them.

Brushing Your Teeth Regularly

Brushing your teeth regularly is the key to white teeth.  Most advice is that you brush your teeth when you wake and before you go to bed.  We believe that brushing your teeth up to four times a day is a better assistance to whiter teeth.

Natural White versus Fluorescent White Teeth

The American fashion is to have fluorescent white teeth.  This is catching on in the UK and Europe.  The consensus of opinion in this office is that fluorescent white teeth look ridiculous and unnatural – witness the teeth of old Donald Trump (Google him).

Dentist Whitening and Cosmetic Dentistry

Dentists can whiten teeth using various methods.  These include bleaching , by cosmetic means and with lasers.  Consult a registered practitioner if you are interested in this but be prepared for a large bill whatever method you elect involving a dentist.

In the Dentist's Chair

Image from Wikipedia Commons