Partridges and pear trees, turtle doves, French hens, something about geese and swans and leaping lords—or is it ladies?—pipers, drummers, and golden rings. It’s all a little fuzzy. The lyrics to that lovely Christmas song are supposed to be simple but somewhere around the fifth day, it’s fair to say, we all lose track of time and get a little tongue-tied. Fortunately, there are 12 easy ways to whiten your smile that are easier to remember than the lyrics to your favourite Christmas carol.
Teeth-Whitening Toothpaste
This might seem obvious—or like a marketing gimmick from toothpaste manufacturers—but teeth-whitening toothpaste is a real thing. Unlike partridges… whatever those are. But not all whitening toothpastes are created equal. Look for toothpastes containing hydroxyapatite (it may be abbreviated as “HAp”) as they are clinically proven to whiten teeth and come with a whole host of added health benefits.
Baking Soda Toothpaste
While we’re on the subject of teeth-whitening toothpastes, there’s a simple at-home alternative to the possibly expensive pharmacy options containing higher concentrations of hydroxyapatite. A 1998 laboratory assessment proved the old wives’ tale that water and baking soda mixture can, in fact, whiten teeth. You’ll still need a regular toothpaste or mouthwash however if you plan on kissing anyone like two turtle doves.
Electric Toothbrushes
The toothbrush that you use is just as important as the toothpaste—there’s no sense in getting whitening toothpaste and then brushing with the feathers plucked from three French hens. While our regular toothbrushes are definitely up to the task of keeping our teeth clean, if you want a whiter smiler then you should opt for an electric toothbrush. According to this 2002 clinical trial, electric toothbrushes are just better at removing stains from our teeth than their low-tech counterparts.
Whitening Strips
Whitening strips might seem like just another marketing ploy to get consumers to buy yet another product but they do have some use. Applied correctly, whitening strips can brighten your smile and get your teeth to harmonize like four calling birds but they aren’t for everyone. People with sensitive gums or tooth decay might not be eligible for whitening strips so talk to your dentist first.
Gel Trays
Teeth-whitening gel trays are widely available at pharmacies and groceries stores. While the commercial, over-the-counter trays will whiten your teeth, it’s probably best to get a custom tray from your dentist for the best results. Custom gel trays can, however, get costly—five gold rings, costly.
Oil Pulling
There’s been a lot of talk of “oil pulling” as an effective teeth-whitening methodology. While it is possible, there hasn’t been any conclusive evidence. However, there is evidence that oil pulling will improve your mouth’s microbiome which could, in turn, create the right environment for more effective and proven teeth whitening methods. But, for now, you’ll have a better chance of spotting six geese a-laying than you will of whitening your teeth with coconut oil.
Improve Your Oral Hygiene
In order to get your teeth as white as seven swans a-swimming, you’ll need a healthy mouth. An imbalance of bacteria exacerbated by a high pH level or gum disease will limit your teeth whitening options and reduce their efficacy. Keep up with your regular brushing and flossing to ensure that your teeth have the potential to shine.
Avoid Foods That Stain
One of the best ways to get pearly white teeth is to never get them stained in the first place—if only it were actually that simple. Tons of foods that we regularly consume are yellow and stain our teeth. To name a few: coffee, wine, berries, tea, soda, and tomato sauce. If you can’t go without that morning coffee—or that nightcap—you ask one of the eight maids-a-milking to lend you a straw.
Quit Bad Habits
There are other health benefits to many of the foods that stain our teeth so, to a large degree, they’re unavoidable. Other yellowing culprits, however, do damage to our teeth and our wider health. Smoking and chewing tobacco are both habits that reduce our teeth’s whiteness and mar our smiles. While they aren’t easy habits to kick, once you do, you’ll feel like joining those nine ladies dancing.
Regular Check-ups
On a regular check-up, your dentist or dental hygienist will perform a deep cleaning inside your mouth. They’ll remove plaque and tartar build-up and look for any potential problem areas before they become problems. Going to the dentist as regularly as is necessary for you will ensure that you have a smile that sends ten lords a-leaping.
Professional Whitening
Eventually, we all have to pay the… eleven pipers piping. Ok, that was a bit forced but dentists and pipers don’t have much in common. What we’re saying is that, over the years, regardless of how diligent we are, our teeth will eventually need a little extra tender love and care. When that day comes, GDawson Dental Hanover offers the best-in-class Zoom!® teeth whitening treatment. Call and ask us about it today.
Dental Restorations
Sometimes, our teeth are more damaged than a simple whitening procedure can solve—as if they’ve been under attack by twelve drummers drumming! In these instances, Dawson Dental Hanover is happy to offer various dental restoration treatments to brighten your smile.
If you can remember all the very strange gifts given in the 12 Days of Christmas, then these 12 teeth whitening tips won’t slip your mind. And when you break out into song this holiday season, we want you to feel as confident as you sound. Book your next appointment with us… or just come caroling at our door!