black and white boy with beautiful smile
(Photo : by Stefan Stefancik from Pexels)

It is much easier to engage with the world when you have a confident smile. People are more inclined to strike up conversations with you and be friendly. 

Having a good first impression makes connecting with people and forming relationships much easier. Ran Kwon, Director of Student Research at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, has provided some advice on how to maintain a beautiful, bright smile.

Regularly check with your dentist

Tooth discoloration can occur for a variety of reasons. In order to determine the cause of tooth discoloration and the limitations of current restorations, your dentist will do a comprehensive examination of your teeth and take their color into account. 

A customized strategy for teeth whitening will be recommended after this evaluation. Home trays or in-office procedures using stronger bleach solutions, occasionally activated with light, are the standard treatment methods. Kwon made the observation that, while in-office treatments may yield faster results, the end result (tooth color) is usually the same regardless of the technique.

Among the top items on the market right now, this teeth-whitening kit from Viebeauti is worth a look. Users rave about the outcomes and how great they are. 

You may expect to see results after just a few usages thanks to the kit's high-quality LED light, which speeds up the whitening process.

Over-the-counter and online products provide viable alternatives for teeth-whitening

Research indicates that teeth-whitening agents can potentially reduce the firmness of teeth. Therefore, after consulting with your dental provider, you might consider over-the-counter alternatives, such as whitening strips available online and at local supermarkets. These strips come in various concentrations, and it's crucial to adhere to the manufacturer's instructions. While effective, Kwon advises against excessive use of these products. 

Approach home remedies with care

The internet offers a range of DIY teeth-whitening solutions, some of which steer clear of chemicals. 

One popular natural teeth-whitening method is oil pulling, which involves swishing coconut or sesame oil in your mouth for several minutes each day. This technique is said to remove stains and promote overall dental health.

However, studies indicate that while natural methods like these may eliminate surface stains, they don't change tooth color. Therefore, exercise caution when opting for these alternatives.

Limit your intake of foods and drinks that are deeply pigmented

You can preserve the beauty of your newly whitened teeth. Unfortunately, for those who enjoy coffee, it's one of the biggest contributors to tooth staining. Kwon advises that it takes time for saliva to naturally coat tooth surfaces after whitening, so it's wise to refrain from colorful drinks like coffee, sodas, or sports drinks right after the process. But, it's best to avoid highly acidic foods such as oranges and strawberries following teeth whitening.

Administer touch-up sessions

Finally, to keep your teeth gleaming, Kwon suggests touch-ups if you observe any retraction. Whether you opt for over-the-counter whitening products or professional dental treatments, the results usually last for about three years. While discoloration might gradually reappear, rest assured that it won't revert to its original shade before treatment.