How confident is your smile? If you are frightened of opening your mouth and beaming at people, perhaps it is the colour of your teeth that is the problem? There are many things that can spoil a good pair of gnashers, and staining is a common issue. If you drink coffee, tea, or smoke cigarettes, for example, then there’s every chance you could do with more than just polish. So, in today’s guide, we’re going to go through some of the basics of teeth whitening. Check it out and see if you can find a solution to your problem.

The basics

First of all, having white, gleaming teeth doesn’t necessarily mean they are healthy. Any process of making your teeth a few shades lighter is just cosmetic, and you should always bear that in mind. You can have the whitest teeth in the world, but still suffer from many dental issues, so make sure you have regular checkups with your dentist. At least, twice a year is the bare minimum.

Brushing and whitening

Let’s start with making your teeth whiter with the simplest method: brushing at home. Sometimes, it is possible to lighten your teeth just by using the right toothpaste, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. There are plenty of products out there to choose from – and some will work better than others. However, you should consult your dentist to find out which is the most suitable for you.

Plaque removal

If you have plaque problems, it’s a sure sign you aren’t brushing your teeth in the right way. So, make sure you are having a dental hygiene appointment a couple of times a year, as well as a check up. When you have plaque, it can amplify the staining process as the colouring tends to stick to it. You’ll notice this most with drinks such as red wine and coffee.

Watching your diet

Teeth will stain because of what you eat and drink – it’s as simple as that. So, the more you consume of those products, the more staining will occur. Cut down on the red wine, sugary drinks, coffee, and smoking. Once you start doing that, you should see a lot more improvement in the appearance of your teeth.

Teeth whitening kits

There are plenty of teeth whitening kits out there – and as with anything, some work better than others. There’s a broad selection over at BF Mulholland, so take a look and see the sort of money you can expect to pay. Again, it’s important to speak to your dentist before undergoing any tooth whitening course. They will be able to point you in the right direction of the right kit for you.

OK, so there you have it – a basic guide to whiter, brighter teeth. Don’t forget, just because you have white teeth doesn’t mean you can rest on your laurels. Although they will look healthier, there could be unseen issues that are there – and only a trip to your dentist will spot them. Enjoy your new smile!