Safely boost your confidence with a whiter smile.

A brighter, whiter smile gives you the confidence to smile or laugh without worrying about what others think. However, your smile can quickly fade because of your lifestyle, habits, or trauma to your teeth.

Fortunately, there are several effective ways to achieve a whiter smile, and each of them is safe if you use them correctly. Dental tooth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that is best done with the supervision of a teeth whitening dentist in Austin, TX.

Top 3 Ways to Get a Whiter Smile 

Drinking less coffee and quitting tobacco are two ways to fight back against discolored, yellow teeth. However, creating a Hollywood-white smile will take more than breaking two habits. Try these three key ways to effectively brighten your smile.

1. Whitening Toothpaste 

Investing in whitening toothpaste is one of the simplest ways to brighten your smile. Any toothpaste will remove surface stains, but dental teeth whitening toothpaste is specially formulated to remove tough stains.

Whitening toothpaste often contains abrasive ingredients that are more effective at scrubbing the surface of your teeth and reducing stains. Some are safe enough to use for the recommended twice-daily brushing without worrying about ruining your enamel.

Adding a whitening toothpaste to your routine and brushing after every meal can help create a brighter smile. Establishing this habit will remove food particles from your mouth, giving them less time to stain your teeth.

2. At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits from Parmer Lane Dentistry

Many over-the-counter whitening treatments can be used to brighten your smile. What makes Parmer Lane Dentistry at-home whitening kits better than ones you can buy at the local pharmacy? There are several benefits to having your dentist create whitening trays that match the shape of your teeth.

The most significant reason is that you will notice results much faster compared to using whitening strips you bought at the drugstore. You will get step-by-step instructions that will help you achieve results most efficiently.

Custom whitening trays are also safer than other teeth whitening options. Most bleaching agents contain hydrogen peroxide, which can damage your gums and other tissues. Your whitening trays will fit securely over your teeth, protecting your gums from the harsh chemicals.

At-home whitening trays allow you to control the speed at which your smile whitens. If you experience sensitivity, you can quit bleaching for a few days or bleach every other day.

3. In-Office Treatment at Parmer Lane Dentistry 

Parmer Lane Dentistry provides professional in-office teeth whitening—the fastest and most effective method to create a brighter smile. The results often last longer compared with over-the-counter products. Some patients experience results up to eight shades lighter with just one treatment.

In-office whitening treatment is safe. You’ll be under the supervision of a trained dental professional, which eliminates the risk of damaging your enamel and gum tissue.

The treatment includes using a whitening solution and an LED light to accelerate the whitening process. Typically, this procedure requires one office visit and is completed within one hour. You must quit using tobacco and have any calculus removed from your teeth before the whitening agent can be applied to them.

How to Keep Your Bright Smile and Prevent Stains After Whitening

After investing in tooth whitening treatments, you’ll want to do everything you can to protect your brilliant smile. Follow the several tips below after whitening your teeth to ensure their color remains vibrant white. 

Avoid dark-colored beverages.

Colored liquids are notorious for staining your teeth. Once you’ve completed a whitening treatment, you’ll want to avoid: 

• Coffee 
• Tea
• Fruit juices 
• Dark sodas
• Red wine
• Beer 

These drinks often have an artificial coloring that clings to teeth and causes stains. If you do choose to drink them, do so quickly rather than sipping throughout the day, consider using a straw, and rinse with plain water afterward.

Avoid foods that cause stains.

Just like drinks can stain your teeth, various foods can affect the color of your teeth as well. Common foods that you should avoid include: 

• Red meat 
• Blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries 
• Tomatoes, spinach, and carrots 
• Curry, paprika, and turmeric
• Red sauce, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar
• Milk and dark chocolate 

Avoiding these foods and rinsing with water afterward if you do consume them can ensure your teeth remain vibrant longer.

Drink plenty of water.

Clear water is the best beverage for your teeth. It contains no natural or artificial coloring, so it will not contribute to the discoloration of your teeth. You can alternate sips of water with your coffee, wine, or tea to rinse your mouth between drinks. This trick also stimulates saliva production and helps remove any residue.

Begin your journey to a whiter smile in Austin, TX.

Does your faded smile occasionally discourage you? Are you interested in teeth whitening? Ask Dr. Garcia whether you qualify for Parmer Lane’s free teeth whitening offer. Call us today to schedule your appointment, or request an appointment online!