My teeth are yellow but I can’t afford teeth whitening. So I would like your expert advice on ways to get them white. I’ve started brushing twice a day instead of once a day. I know that poor brushing habits have probably made my teeth so yellow. I’m not a smoker, so that isn’t the problem. So far I’m not noticing that brushing twice a day is making a big difference. What else do you recommend for me to get my teeth whiter without having to pay a dentist hundreds of dollars? Really, that’s not an option for me anyway because I just cannot afford it. Ronnie
Ronnie,
The best way to remove stains from your teeth is to schedule a dental hygiene appointment. If you see your dentist every six months for an exam and cleaning, your hygienist will be able to remove most of the stains from your teeth. Even patients who receive teeth whitening from their dentist should have a dental cleaning and exam first.
How to Keep Your Teeth White
It’s good that you’ve increased the number of times you brush your teeth each day, but don’t overdo it. Below are a few things to keep in mind:
- Brushing is important to remove plaque-producing bacterial from your teeth. It will also keep your gums healthy.
- Limit sugary drinks and food. Sugar promotes tooth decay.
- Drink plenty of water to wash away sugar and acidic foods from your teeth.
- Add flossing between your teeth to your daily routine to prevent plaque buildup. Plaque will cause your teeth to look yellow—especially between your gums.
Some people have found success by brushing their teeth with baking soda. It can help remove surface stains. Also, high-strength, over-the-counter whitening strips can remove some stains, but the results won’t be dramatic. Use them as directed, and you might see some improvement.
If your budget changes, you can speak with your dentist about payment plans for teeth whitening.
This post is sponsored by Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Collins.