Whether you call it good oral hygiene or pure vanity (self-love is important, okay?), it’s smart to learn how to whiten your teeth. It will give you some more hot ranking points. And, in a study of Spark Aligners, 76 percent of respondents said they base their first impression of someone entirely on their smile. The problem is, most of us aren’t born with the heartbreaking grin of an action hero. And that’s sad!
Yes, according to Research 2021 from the Oral Health Foundation and Colgate-Palmolive, 84 per cent of all British adults have some sort of problem with their teeth, with discoloration being one of the main issues.
But luckily for you, we sat in the dentist’s chair with three real experts, Dr Anjum Jahan, esthetician at Smiles By AnjumDr. Daz Singh, Clinical Director of Ollie & Darshand Dr Robbie Hughes, its founder Dental Excellence, to learn how to whiten your teeth from the comfort of your own home. You won’t need expensive equipment or surgery here, just a lot of time and a little patience.
How to whiten your teeth
#1: Perfect your routine
The first step to a healthy smile is getting the basics of oral hygiene right. If you don’t brush every morning and every night, plaque will start to build up on your teeth, making them look yellow and discolored. This is really entry-level stuff here.
“It sounds obvious, but you should brush your teeth every morning and every night,” says Jahan. “This not only removes any food particles, but can also prevent the formation of plaque and surface stains.”
“After brushing, follow up with flossing, mouthwash, or both,” says Singh. “You should also see your dentist at least once a year and your oral hygienist every six months. It sounds like very effort, but it will be worth it in the long run.”
“While brushing first thing in the morning may seem counterproductive at first, it’s very important,” says Hughes. “When you eat, the sugars in your food combine with plaque bacteria to create a sugar attack that can weaken enamel. Brushing before eating reduces the bacteria available to create the attack.”
#2: Use a whitening toothpaste
Unfortunately, upgrading your toothbrush will only get you so far. But there are plenty of other ways you can boost your efforts, like getting a decent toothpaste, more specifically, a whitening one.
“Toothpaste is the first line of defense against plaque, food particles, and anything else that can stain,” says Hughes. “While no tube of the material will whiten your teeth on its own, it can complement your efforts. Look for something with gentle whitening properties, low friction and some fluoride to keep that precious enamel intact.”
“If you’re looking for a whitening toothpaste, choose one that’s specifically designed to do that,” says Singh. “Check the ingredients to make sure they include things like hydrogen peroxide or baking soda, and if they’re approved by dental associations, that’s even better.”
