With Valentine’s Day coming up, you may look into teeth whitening to help you feel your best. Whether you have a special date or are celebrating yourself this year, these easy tips will help you get a brighter smile for February 14th!
See Your Dentist for In-Office Whitening
The fastest way to transform your smile’s color is to visit your dentist! We offer in-office teeth whitening in Brighton and Newton, MA, and it only takes about an hour for you to dramatically lift your teeth’s color.
Use Whitening Strips
We also offer take-home, professional-grade whitening strips that can brighten your smile in 10-14 days. Over-the-counter strips can also deliver effective results in a short time frame, but their results tend to fade faster than professional ones from your dentist.
Brush With Baking Soda
About 1 teaspoon of baking soda is enough to help lift stains from your teeth every time you brush. This at-home teeth-whitening strategy has been around for decades, and research supports its efficacy as a whitening treatment.
Though it can’t emulate the results you’ll see from a professional cosmetic dental treatment, it is still a good way to buffer your smile before Valentine’s Day.
Some online sources suggest mixing baking soda with hydrogen peroxide, but this is not advisable as it can increase your teeth’s sensitivity. Instead, only use products with hydrogen peroxide that are approved for teeth-whitening or have been provided by your dentist.
Eat Teeth-Whitening Fruits
A 2020 study found that two enzymes called bromelain or papain are effective at whitening teeth. These are both found in papayas and pineapples, so if you can find them this time of year, they could be a good way to add some whitening power to your diet.
Avoid rubbing your teeth directly with the fruits, as this could have an adverse effect.
Get an Electric Toothbrush
A manual toothbrush can move at a maximum speed of 300 strokes per minute. Meanwhile, an electric toothbrush can reach speeds of 2,500 to 7,500 strokes per minute! Switching to an electric toothbrush could help lighten superficial stains that make your smile appear dimmer.
Wear a Darker Color
If you haven’t been able to whiten your teeth as much as you’d like by Valentine’s Day, all hope is not lost. Wearing darker colors, such as black, indigo, deep red, and royal blue, can help make your smile appear lighter, thanks to contrast.
Of course, with in-office whitening so accessible and whitening strips available to help you keep up your results, there’s plenty of time to get a brighter smile before Valentine’s Day!
Explore Your Teeth-Whitening Options
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Nazila Bidabadi, an esteemed cosmetic dentist, to discover how you can brighten your smile. You can request an appointment by using our contact form or calling Soft Touch Dentistry in Brighton (617-782-9250) or Newton (617-332-8146), MA!