Did you know that your smile is more than just a smile? Smiling is proven to have a positive effect on your mental, physical, and even financial well-being.
That’s why it’s important to learn how to whiten teeth now. You’ll be able to open more doors with your smile.
If you’re less than impressed with your teeth color, you’re not alone. The main culprits of tooth stain are everyday foods, beverages, and habits like the following:
- Coffee and tea
- Red Wine
- Sugary sports drinks
- Cola, fruit soda, and other soft drinks
- Tomato sauce
- Curry dishes
- Balsamic vinegar
- Smoking cigarettes
- Bad brushing habits
First and foremost, you need to start brushing your teeth the right way, twice a day.
That said, exposure to these teeth-staining agents over time will still lead to a dingy smile. Moreover, simple aging can naturally discolor your teeth too!
To understand how teeth stains occur in the first place, let’s quickly discuss the unique structure of your teeth:
- A tooth’s outer layer is called the enamel.
- Your natural tooth color is a combination of light reflecting off your enamel coupled with the dentin layer underneath.
- Some people have thick enamel, whereas others may have thin enamel. The density of your enamel is dictated by your genes. However, if you have thinner enamel, your dentin comes through much easier.
- Your enamel attracts something called pellicle. This is actually a thin coating that sticks to the enamel layer. However, it creates a porous surface that locks in stains.
But, this doesn’t mean you have to be stuck with lackluster teeth. There are multiple whitening treatments available to bring that smile back to life, so you can start making those great first impressions again.
Now are you ready to rejuvenate that smile? Keep reading to get the facts on how to whiten teeth.
Whiter Teeth Are More Professional
Teeth whitening is one of the most rewarding cosmetic dentistry treatments you can receive. In fact, one Procter and Gamble research study even set out to learn the overall impact whiter teeth had on confidence and professionalism.
Their findings sent a clear message:
- During a job interview simulation, 65% of survey participants were viewed as more professional.
- 61% of participants exuded more confidence.
- 59% of adults were more outgoing during social simulation exercises.
Moreover, this study also proves how important a clean, bright smile is for professional development itself. With fresh confidence, your brand new smile can help you improve in the following areas:
- Networking events: When you’re not self-conscious about your teeth, you feel more free to communicate your ideas with others. Remember, smiles are contagious! Let your new smile attract others to you too.
- Management and training: A clean, white smile makes it easier to train and manage employees up close. Remember that 65% of adults found that whiter teeth made them look more professional, so make white teeth a part of your overall professional look.
- Public speaking and presentations: With your confidence back, you can finally get up on stage and give that presentation that will score you that promotion.
- Corporate headshots and media: Look better, but most importantly, feel better in corporate headshots and other media.
- In-person interviews: Show up to that next job interview with an impressive, bright smile.
- Work meetings: With a clean, white smile, you’ll be less embarrassed, and thus more inclined, to speak up at meetings.
Boost Your Social Life With Whiter Teeth
When you catch yourself smiling, is your first reaction to cover your mouth?
This is felt by so many, but this common insecurity has a simple remedy.
You learned earlier that whiter teeth make you more outgoing. This is crucial for getting your social life back on track. When you’re not worrying about your teeth, you’re less hesitant to engage with others, pose for pictures, and pursue longer conversations.
Like the professional world, a dinner party host with a great smile also exudes intelligence and confidence. In fact, the Procter and Gamble study even found that whiter teeth evoke trustworthiness as well.
How To Whiten Teeth At The Dentist
If you’re looking for a serious, long-lasting whitening job, then you must start at the dentist. Only your dentist can take accurate impressions to create teeth whitening trays or deliver state-of-the-art laser whitening treatments.
Let’s delve into all the different options available to you:
- Zoom: Zoom is a powerful yet gentle laser whitening treatment. Get a tooth cleaning beforehand for best results. Zoom treatments only last one hour and can brighten up to eight shades whiter.
- At-home whitening trays: If you want to whiten your teeth at home, but still want a professional job, your dentist can create customized whitening trays. This way, you know every inch is being whitened.
- Whitening for sensitive teeth: Sensitive teeth is common. In fact, almost 57% of all adults have sensitive teeth. However, your dentist can work with your sensitive teeth by choosing an appropriate Zoom laser setting for sensitive teeth.
Taking Care Of Your Bright New Smile
Now that you know how to whiten teeth at the dentist and at home, you have to practice proper hygiene to keep that new smile looking its best.
Of course, you should always brush and floss twice a day, and don’t forget to book those bi-annual check-ups. You should also ask your dentist about which fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash is best for preserving whitened teeth.
But what you may not know is that certain foods can help you maintain a brighter smile too.
Along with cutting down on coffee, tea, soda, and red wine, you should include the following foods in your new pro-dental health diet:
- Broccoli: This healthy veggie is packed with Iron which is great for preventing acid erosion of the enamel and protecting against bacteria.
- Carrots: Carrots are not only healthy, but they have natural, gentle abrasives that help scrub away plaque.
- Water: Drink lots of water! Water contains fluoride which decreases decay by 25%.
To make sure that mega-watt smile lasts for years, the best thing you can do is consult with your dentist.
So what are you waiting for?
Your confidence is calling you. Book your teeth whitening appointment today to give your professional and social life a boost!