Nobody wants to have dull, yellowish teeth, but neither do we want to have to avoid all those wonderful things in life like chocolate, red wine, soda, tea, or coffee. Even if you do avoid substances that can color your teeth, they naturally lose their white luster over time. People used to pay to have expensive veneers cover their teeth to keep them looking white, but then teeth whitening was introduced.

Teeth whitening, otherwise known as teeth bleaching is safer, less invasive, and much less expensive than getting veneers. Many people feel self-conscious about their smile, especially if they are in front of the public eye a lot. Although teeth whitening is not permanent (unless you eliminate teeth-staining substances from your life) it is a better alternative to keeping a pearly white smile.

Teeth whitening can be done several ways. Sometimes a gel-like substance is put in trays and affixed over the teeth for a period of time (usually overnight). But there are also whitening methods that can be done immediately at the dentist’s office. Imagine getting whiter teeth in an hour, while relaxing in front of the TV!

Some people have the mistaken idea that teeth whitening is dangerous. In actuality, it is very safe. It can sometimes result in temporary feelings of sensitivity in the gums and teeth, but that usually goes away quite quickly. You can ease the discomfort by using a specialized toothpaste for sensitive teeth during that time. If you have very sensitive teeth be sure to check with your dentist first to make sure tooth whitening is a good choice for you. It may cause exceptional discomfort on overly sensitive teeth.

Beware of many homemade teeth whitening methods such as those that incorporate acidic products like lemon. These can break down the calcium in your teeth and make them begin to rot. Some people also believe that brushing your teeth a lot with a really stiff toothbrush will keep them white. Actually, all this does is wear away at the enamel that the teeth need as protection.

To keep your teeth whiter longer don’t smoke, drink dark beverages through a straw (so that there is minimal contact with your teeth), and brush your teeth immediately after eating or drinking. Whitening toothpastes rarely work. They may remove some minor surface staining, but the higher cost of these toothpastes do not make these a worthwhile investment.

Many people find that they immediately experience a boost in their confidence after getting their teeth whitened. They no longer need to feel ashamed or embarrassed to talk to someone closely face-to-face and worry that the other individual is eyeing their teeth with disgust. A brilliant smile makes you look years younger than your actual age and who doesn’t want that?