Yes, we understand that a pearly white Hollywood smile is everyone’s biggest desire, and a lot of people are ready to do everything it takes to get it. If you’re one of them, too, you should know that there are some things that need to be taken into consideration, so be sure to stay with us and keep on reading if you want to learn more about the biggest dos and don’ts of getting a Hollywood smile. Check them out and enjoy!
Do’s of getting a Hollywood smile
Look at the ingredient list when looking for a toothpaste
Even though a lot of toothpaste formulas claim to have whitening ingredients, the truth is that you should carefully look at the ingredient list before you make a final decision. And why is that?
Well, that’s because of a change in EU regulations that was made back in 2012, which says that the maximum concentration of hydrogen peroxide allowed in whitening gels is 6%. This ingredient is known for its bleaching properties, but not only for our teeth – it’s also used as a bleach for textiles and paper, and it’s a component of rocket fuels, too, so be sure to take it with a grain of salt.
Visit your dentist for a regular check-up
Before you actually opt for teeth whitening, it’s essential that you visit a registered dentist for one simple reason – teeth whitening is actually the ‘practice of dentistry’, which is exactly why it should be performed by trained and registered dental professionals only.
Of course, visiting your dentist for regular check-ups is also extremely important, even if you don’t have any problems related to your teeth and gums. This is basically one of the best ways to prevent a wide range of problems related to oral health, so book an appointment with your dentist right now!
Give DIY whitening treatment a try…
We reckon that you’re already familiar with all kinds of at-home DIY whitening treatments your friends or your friends’ friends have tried, but do they really work? Well, yes, they do!
The first one includes crafting a strawberry paste, as strawberries contain malic acid that is quite beneficial when it comes to dissolving coffee, tea, and red wine stains on teeth. All you have to do is to mash up two strawberries, add a teaspoon of baking soda, and then to apply the mixture with a Starlite children’s toothbrush. Such brushes are highly recommended because they are much smaller than regular ones, which means that they will get between teeth better. Rub this paste on your teeth for five to seven minutes, then rinse it off, and floss out strawberry seeds that may be lingering between your teeth. Just make sure not to use this mixture too often, as the malic acid can cause teeth to erode if used frequently.
Or go for a professional whitening treatment
On the other hand, if DIY projects aren’t your cup of tea, you should definitely go for a professional teeth whitening treatment. You should know that there are a lot of different treatments meant for different kinds of stains and shades of teeth, but all of them will require the previously mentioned hydrogen peroxide.
Of course, that won’t be enough, as bleach needs to remain on your teeth long enough to sink in, which is why you need to pick a proper bleaching system that will work for your teeth. However, you should also know those whitening treatments won’t work on all teeth – yellower teeth bleach better than greyish ones, whereas some teeth won’t bleach at all!
Don’ts of getting a Hollywood smile
Don’t expect miracles from your toothpaste
As already stated, a lot of toothpaste formulas that can be found on the market nowadays claim to have whitening ingredients, but you definitely shouldn’t set your expectations too high when it comes to getting whiter teeth. All toothpaste formulas have a detergent-like effect, which means that they can remove superficial stains when combined with appropriate brushing technique, but that’s it. They won’t whiten your teeth – just remove stains caused by different foods and drinks.
Don’t use whitening strips more than once a year
Yes, we agree that teeth whitening strips are quite affordable and easy to order and that they are particularly attractive if you’ve already used them before and you know that they work. However, you should know that using them more than once a year can actually be harmful to your teeth. When used excessively, they can cause damage and painful sensitivity to your teeth, which definitely isn’t what you want.
Besides that, these can’t get between your teeth, which is why the color may be uneven later on, so be sure to stick to the recommended usage of no more than once a year.
Don’t eat foods that cause stains
If you want to keep your teeth as white as possible after the treatment, make sure to stay away from foods that cause stains. As simple as that! This goes for colored foods that are highly likely to stain a white ceramic bowl when left to sit in it for a few hours, like blueberries, blackberries, pomegranates, curry, hard candies, tomato sauce, ice pops, and other similar foods. Once you stop eating them as much as you used to, you’ll see an instant improvement!
Don’t drink anything that can cause stains
Of course, keeping your teeth white won’t be possible if you continue drinking some drinks famous for their staining properties. So, make sure to cut down on coffee, red and white wine, sodas with artificially added colors, and sports drinks like Gatorade. Apart from staining your teeth, such sports drinks can also weaken and damage the tissue thanks to their acidic components, sugars, and other additives, which are good enough reasons for you to stop consuming them. Just make sure to drink enough water on a daily basis and you’ll stay hydrated with a healthy, shiny mouth!
As you can see, there are a lot of things you need to take into consideration when deciding on getting your perfect Hollywood smile. However, it isn’t really as tricky as it sounds – just be sure to stick to our tips, and you won’t make a mistake!
