How to Get Whiter Teeth in 4 Easy Steps

Over time, your teeth can develop stains and discoloration that diminish their shine and luster. Luckily, you don’t have to live with less than a dazzling smile. In fact, you can whiten your teeth and restore their natural beauty in just four easy steps! Let your dentist in Edina teach you how. 

1. Brush & Floss

Brushing your teeth is not only good for your oral health but also good for preventing staining. Ideally, you should brush your teeth after every meal; however, twice a day is a good place to start. In addition to brushing after every meal and snack, try getting into habits like rinsing and spitting after you eat — it’ll help clear food from between your teeth and prevent bacteria from being left behind that could lead to staining. But you can’t forget about the floss. Flossing is just as important as brushing when it comes to both maintaining a healthy mouth and a white smile. Flossing helps remove plaque from between teeth, preventing discoloration. 

2. Avoid Tobacco

When you smoke or chew tobacco (or anything else containing nicotine), it stains your teeth and gums. Pair the nicotine with tar and you have a double whammy. Even small amounts of tar build up over time, making your teeth appear yellowed and stained. Avoiding tobacco can help keep your teeth stain-free and bright and white.

3. Smile Whitening Treatments

There are two main types of smile whitening treatments — over-the-counter products and professional in-office whitening. There are pros and cons to each. 

Whitening strips are affordable, easy to use, and available at nearly every drugstore. However, it often takes longer to see results and the results can be short-lived. Additionally, the whitening gel can easily come in contact with the gums and cause irritation. 

Professional teeth whitening requires an appointment but is done by a dental professional who can ensure each and every tooth is getting treated and that your gums aren’t exposed to the whitening ingredients. 

The downside of either whitening treatment? They may leave your teeth feeling a bit sensitive for a few days following treatment. Determining the right option for you requires a chat with your dentist in Edina.

4. Cosmetic Dentistry

When tooth stains are more than surface stains, they can be very difficult to impossible to remove through brushing and traditional whitening treatments alone. Luckily, there are cosmetic dentistry options, such as veneers, that can help. Veneers can take years off your appearance by covering unsightly stains and imperfections like gaps or spaces between teeth. They’re custom-created to be the perfect size, shape, and color for an enhanced, yet natural, appearance. 

If you’re looking for a professional way to get whiter teeth, start with the basics. If you’re not seeing the results you want, cosmetic dental solutions are available that can make a difference in just one or two office visits. For more information about how you can get whiter teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Edina today! 

About The Author

Dr. Heidi Brandenburg

Dr. Heidi Brandenburg is an expert in esthetic dentistry. She is also trained in implant dentistry and comprehensive care. To keep up with the advancements in the dentistry field, she joins several professional organizations and study clubs, collaborating with other dentists and specialists. Committed to giving back to the community, she volunteers her services to charitable organizations. Dr. Brandenburg used to train dentists in administering treatments to medically compromised patients while managing her private practice. She also worked at the dental facility of a center for the mentally ill.

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