Subconsciously, the whiter and straighter someone’s teeth are, the more you are physically attracted to them. White teeth are a signal to the brain of a potential mate of your high genetic virility.
Nice looking teeth attract nice looking people, just like peacock feathers do to other peacocks.
In some ways, everyone already understood this before scientists confirmed it. There is an endless parade of teeth whitening products to prove it. The most popular being at home teeth whitening strips.
How effective are they in whitening your teeth? What are some other alternatives? Keep reading and discover what the experts have to say about teeth whitening strips and teeth whitening in general.
1. Where Stains Come From
If you are looking to step up your dating game with some whiter teeth, then avoiding a few key foods and drinks could be a great place to start.
Coffee and Tea
They may taste great and get you going in the morning, but they also stain your teeth. Both coffee and black tea include something called tannins. These tannins stick to tiny ridges on your teeth and create dark spots.
Also, be careful of green tea, even though it isn’t as dark as other teas it can still stain your teeth.
Cola and Other Sodas
Let’s be real for a second; did you really think drinking carbonated sugar water would be good for your teeth? Not only can it lead to a bacterial build up in your mouth, but it can also unleash acids which cause staining.
Lots of Alcohol
While drinking a lot of alcohol is terrible for many reasons, one is how it affects your teeth. It has an impact on your tooth enamel and also causes staining.
Other Food and Drinks (and Vices) to Avoid:
- Berries
- Citrus Fruits
- Sweets
- Cordial and Fruit Drinks
- Smoking
Is it necessarily bad to consume these in moderation? Of course not. After partaking though, it’s good to brush your teeth as soon as possible to prevent long-term stains.
2. Teeth Whitening Strips Can Hurt Your Teeth
Now you understand what causes the problem, take a look at one of the more popular solutions. Over
the counter teeth whitening strips are known for getting the job done on a budget.
However, they are not without their side effects.
They are infamous for causing painful, increased tooth sensitivity, denature enamel, and potentially staining your gums. If you use them, you should only use them as directed by the product and with the cooperation of a dental professional.
3. Teeth Whitening Strips Aren’t Super Effective
Take a look at the strip design itself; they’re a flat strip with no contours. Do you expect these strips to bleach every part of your teeth?
Because they won’t.
There is no way for them to whiten the crevices between your teeth, creating an uneven look throughout.
4. Eating Food Can Whiten Your Teeth
You read that right; eating certain fruits and veggies can act as mother nature’s toothbrush and be a great option besides teeth whitening strips. If you chew them heavily, they rub against your teeth, helping to erase some stains. Here are a few fruits and veggies to consider:
- Apples
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Celery
- Watermelon
- Strawberries
What are the odds? Good for your overall bodily health AND your smile??
5. A Few Other Natural Methods
Mother Nature has a few more solutions for a brighter smile outside of tooth whitening strips. While these are probably safer than filling your mouth with bleaching agents and other chemicals, it’s always best to undergo any such regimes under the guidance of a dental professional.
Activated Charcoal
Talk about irony, pick up some of this black powder made from wood and coconut shells. Be sure you grab the type made for teeth (it should be a fine powder) and use only 2-3 times a week. This is a great alternative to teeth whitening strips
Throw some on a damp toothbrush and go to town!
Baking Soda
While some may argue against this method, here’s how the experts say to use this household teeth whitener instead of teeth whitening strips.
Take a teaspoon of baking soda and just enough water to create a paste. Mix it with a dash of turmeric. Using baking soda can balance out the pH in your mouth, which fights off stains and tooth decay.
Natural Oils
Another great, natural alternative to teeth whitening strips is by swishing oils in your mouth!
Choose coconut, olive, or sesame oil and swish it around in your mouth for 20 minutes. Swishing oil in your mouth is a technique known as oil pulling, and it not only can remove stains, it also reduces tooth decay and gingivitis.
Twenty minutes can feel like an eternity, but it’s a cheaper and safer alternative to many other treatments.
6. Professional Methods Are a Sure Bet
If you do nothing else, please seek out a great, local dentist and ask for their input on your oral health. of the above treatments can replace teeth cleaning from a professional and never let anyone convince you otherwise.
Regardless of at home remedies, it’s advised you continue to see a dentist and inform them of your at home practice. On top of a routine cleaning, most dentists can offer some form of professional teeth whitening procedure.
These procedures tend to be more effective and have longer lasting results. They are performed by a professional with years of experience, with professional equipment. Unlike teeth whitening strips, they are sure to whiten every part of your teeth.
Wrapping It Up
Are you interested in a brighter smile that will last longer?
Book an appointment at The Smile Gallery. One of our delightful professionals would love to sit down and talk about our different whitening procedures with you.
Release your inner peacock and create a smile that dazzles.