Given the choice, it’s pretty safe to say that anyone would prefer to have a wonderful white smile. It’s just that some tend to be considerably more obsessive over the issue than others!
The lengths that some people go to in an attempt to both achieve and hold onto a whiter smile really are quite extraordinary. Suffice to say, the kinds of homemade teeth whitening concoctions they come up can be anything from hilarious to harmful. But what’s true in all cases across the board is that both extreme lengths and wild and wacky DIY treatments are wholly unnecessary.
Instead, the secret to whiter teeth for the long-term comes down to one important thing – preventative medicine.
Teeth Whitening Kits and Treatments
One of the best, albeit slightly abstract ways of thinking about teeth whitening, would be a little like cleaning the stains from a white t-shirt. Assuming that this garment has been around for a while and used for its intended purpose, chances are it isn’t going to be as brilliantly white as it once was. As such, in order to restore its whiteness, it can be put through some kind of stain removal process, followed by a good wash. After which, it is restored to its former glory.
But what then happens if this white t-shirt is then used in exactly the same manner as before, with no particular care or attention being paid to keeping it clean? The answer…well, it isn’t going to be long before it becomes dirty and discoloured again.
Silly as the analogy may sound, it really isn’t too dissimilar when it comes to teeth. Regardless of whether you go for the very best DIY whitening strips on the market or head over to the dentist for a professional whitening treatment, the same still applies:
The effects are only temporary.
Unfortunate as it may be, there isn’t a professional teeth whitening kit currently on the market or professional treatment available that can guarantee long-term whiteness. The reason being that just as soon as the treatment is completed, the process begins once again of staining and discolouration. Nevertheless, far too many people act with surprise and even shock when they find their gorgeously white smile doesn’t remain gorgeously white for particularly long.
Teeth Whitening Pastes and Mouthwash
Which is precisely where the idea of preventative medicine comes into the equation. If you frequent our website – which of course you should – you’ll probably know that we take no prisoners whatsoever, when it comes to teeth whitening pastes and mouthwash. The reason being that if you are looking to whiten your teeth in the first place, there isn’t a paste or mouthwash out there that is going to get the job done. This, despite the fact that the vast majority of commercials and marketing materials make them look more or less miraculous.
But rather than having an overall distaste for such dental health products, we’re instead proud supporters of their use for what it is they are actually designed for. Which is, stain prevention and the maintenance of white teeth.
What makes whitening paste and mouthwash different from more intensive whitening kits and treatments is the way in which they do not contain the harsh chemicals required to whiten teeth. Instead, they simply contain a range of agents which get to work on surface stains. Not to mention, help prevent future surface stains from settling in the first place. So while they don’t do a great deal for the teeth whitening process itself, they can certainly help you hang onto your whiter smile for longer.
So the advice is relatively simple. If you are going to go the whole hog and have your teeth whitened using a high-quality kit or the services of a professional, you might as well treat yourself to quality toothpaste and mouthwashes. Just don’t be fooled by promises of miraculous results – it’s all about stain prevention, rather than deep stain removal.
Everyday Lifestyle Contributors
The thing is though, even the most effective whitening pastes and mouthwash products in the world cannot compensate for certain lifestyle choices. It’s no secret that any number of foods, drinks and habits in general can do a number on the whiteness of teeth.
Let’s put it this way – the fact that there are whitening toothpastes available specifically to cater to the needs of smokers does not mean they can compensate for the effects of tobacco use. Continue using tobacco while using these kinds of pastes and chances are you aren’t going to see a great deal of difference.
It’s also the same situation when it comes to things like red wine, tea, coffee and pretty much anything else that is known for staining teeth. It’s not to say that you have to give up on these kinds of indulgences altogether. Nevertheless, you need to work out where your priorities lie, in terms of lifestyle habits and stain prevention.
And just for the record, your overall approach to oral health and hygiene on a daily basis can and will make a big difference, when it comes to stain prevention.
When in Doubt…
Of course, if the whitest teeth imaginable are of such importance to you and you’d like to know how to look after them properly, the best person to speak to is your dentist. The reason being that not all whitening products or preventative measures work for all people – all mouths are fundamentally different. And as the only person who perhaps knows your mouth better than you do is your dentist, it simply makes sense to speak to them.
Truth is, holding onto a whiter smile for longer doesn’t have to be particularly difficult. It’s simply a case of having realistic expectations from the get-go, while at the same time being willing to make a few small changes to your everyday lifestyle where necessary.
