Do you want to whiten your teeth and have a brighter smile?
I think most of us over the age of 50 would like to have whiter teeth.
But be guided by your dentist about teeth whitening procedures, and the best teeth whitening toothpaste is definitely the one recommended by your dentist.
This post discusses what you can do to keep your teeth looking brighter and whiter naturally.
Teeth whitening home remedies
It’s a sad fact that our teeth take a hammering because of what we eat and drink.
But we use and abuse our teeth don’t we? Coffee, red wine, black tea, cigarettes, forgetting to brush them, neglecting to floss – they all play a part in staining or damaging our teeth.
There are a few things you can be aware of everyday …
- If you eat or drink anything dark it could stain your teeth – so it’s wise to brush your teeth after drinking red wine, or coffee – and if you can’t brush them, then swill your mouth out with fresh water.
- If you’re using a normal toothbrush then choose one with a gentle brush (rather than an abrasive one) and don’t brush too hard or you can damage your gums.
- Change your toothbrush, or toothbrush head if you’re using an electric one, about every 3 months.
- Have a dental check up every six months, along with a professional clean and polish. Not only for your tooth health but also your gum health because research suggests there is a link between gum disease and an increased risk of heart disease.
- Sugar and bacteria lead to plaque so try not to eat sugary foods – or drink fizzy drinks which can dissolve tooth enamel.
Foods that help clean your teeth naturally
Apples are great at helping to clean your teeth. I’m told they are like nature’s toothbrush. I’ve been trying to have an apple a day.
So too are raw carrots, celery and unsweetened popcorn.
Drink plenty of water in small amounts throughout the day.
How to make your teeth look whiter
Don’t wear pure white clothes or scarves close to your face.
Choose a medium coral or light red lipstick which help to make your teeth look whiter.
Don’t wear light coloured lipsticks as this will bring out the yellow more.
I like wearing pinky/lilac coloured lipsticks which I think help make my teeth look whiter.
Visit your dentist regularly!
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Hey Johanna,
I was surprised when you told me that an apple a day can keep my teeth whiter. I wonder what this is based on? I have been considering booking a time for a teeth whitening consultation at a local dentist’s office. Maybe I should try these methods of your first and see what happens. Healthy food like apples and carrots can’t do any harm, eh?
Hi, Thanks for sharing that toothpaste brand. I have never heard of them. As a fan of red wine I definitely need to check it our for my teeth whitening.
Admittedly the difference between the before and after isn’t huge but I always thought whitening toothpastes don’t work at all anyway… so the fact that it even worked a little bit is amazing to me. I’ll definitely have to give it a try myself 🙂
I too was surprised Caleb.
I can definitely see a difference Jo!
Thanks Janet. I wasn’t sure until I put the before and after photos side by side. But there really IS a difference, and there’s no photoshopping 🙂
Interesting product, I’ve been interested in teeth whitening for awhile and am always looking for new options. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Constance, it really does make a difference to my teeth. I hope you try it. If you do, email me and I’ll tell you how I brush with it for optimum performance.
Wow! I can really see the difference Jo. My teeth are off-white but I would love them to look whiter. I’m actually in the process of having new crowns placed on three front teeth. I recently had implants inserted into my gums (very painful!) and in 3 months time I will have new white crowns (hopefully). But I will need to whiten the rest of my teeth so I’ll definitely give this a go. #TeamLovinLife
Hi Kathy, thank you! Yes, I was sceptical at first, but I can see a difference in my teeth too. Ouch poor you. Implants sound painful, but the result should be good when the crowns are on. I hope it goes well for you. This toothpaste won’t whiten crowns, but I can vouch that it’s definitely whitened and brightened my normal teeth. And after brushing well, they shine 🙂
No ‘worries here’ for me Jo as I read the post. I was/am an excellent example of visiting the dentist every 6 months, having my teeth filled or whatever was needed at the time. It’s is a total mystery to both the dentist and surgeons as to why cancer decided to start in my gums. It’s one of those rare events for me – with no risk factors such as alcohol intake or smoking. I am just glad it all appears to have been taken and I can keep on with the surgeries for mouth reconstruction.
Denyse x
Hi Denyse, oh I’m so glad this was a ‘no worries’ post for you, as I was worried x It’s unbelievable though that without having any risk factors cancer started in your gums – just not fair. It’s a fair warning though that we should all visit the dentist regularly. I’m sending strength and healing wishes during your mouth reconstruction surgeries.
I hate my teeth and feel like they’re really discoloured. I’d get them professionally whitened but know I need to stop drinking diet coke before I fork out that kind of money! #teamlovinlife
Maybe try this toothpaste first, before getting them professionally whitened Deb. I’m finding it helps reduce the yellow discolouration. Or if you have them professionally whitened then use this toothpaste afterwards to perhaps help prevent a new stain build up.
I’ve never tried a teeth whitening toothpaste – and as a lover of red wine, it’s probably something I should think a tad more about. #Teamlovinlife
I think it’s a good thing to think about using Jo. I love coffee and red wine, and I use this toothpaste to help with prevention of staining.
As a retired dentist, I hardly mess around with the toothpastes and expecting them to do anything—-just give me the good ole bleach, because it really works!!
XOOX
Jodie
Hi Jodie, interesting … from your professional knowledge I’d love to know though … isn’t bleach ultimately damaging to teeth enamel if you keep on using it?