Good Teeth: They Don't Have to Be in Your Genes

If you are having problems keeping your teeth as white as you would like, you should probably consider your current oral health habits. Your tooth enamel is a porous material, and it can absorb the colorants from the substances that you ingest. Over time, as these pigments build up, your teeth become increasingly discolored. Regular brushing does not remove enough of these pigments to effectively whiten the teeth. Thus, some additions to your oral health regimen may be needed. Here are a few of them:

Hydrogen peroxide-based Mouthwash

Hydrogen peroxide is often a primary ingredient in whitening products due to its bleaching abilities. When peroxide is applied to the teeth, it releases oxygen bubbles that help clear the discoloration.

The peroxide concentration in a mouthwash is generally not as high as it is in a peroxide-based whitening treatment. However, with repeated used, the rinse can help whiten the teeth and prevent additional stains from developing. 

Many commercial mouth rinses contain hydrogen peroxide, but you can also prepare a homemade peroxide-based mouth rinse by mixing an equal amount of water to a three-percent hydrogen peroxide solution. 

Hydrogen peroxide mouth rinse can be used immediately after you brush your teeth.

In addition to rinsing with peroxide-based mouth rinses, you can add them to the reservoir of an oral irrigator to help promote whiter teeth. As the stream of peroxide solution is directed at the teeth, it helps clear the dental staining as it does when you swish with the substance.

Whitening Chewing Gum

Some chewing gum helps whiten your teeth. The gum usually contains additives, such as baking soda or titanium dioxide, which help to polish stains from the enamel. Whitening gum may also contain dissolving substances, such as malic acid. Dissolving substances help soften discoloration so that it is more easily removed. 

The gum can be chewed periodically throughout the day, but you should be sure to chew after consuming food or drink that is dark in color. The gum can help remove the pigments before they have had a chance to be absorbed deeply into the enamel. 

In addition to the whitening effects, the gum may also offer other oral health benefits as it helps clean particles of food and plaque from the teeth.

To learn more steps that you can take to promote whiter teeth, talk to your dentist at a general dentistry clinic. He or she will take your specific oral state into consideration when suggesting whitening products or procedures.