5 Helpful Tips to Have Healthy, White and Shiny Smiles (Guest Post)

​Teeth color can tell so much about a person. Yellow teeth can be linked to smoking, coffee drinking, and just poor oral hygiene. It is a bit embarrassing to smile with stained teeth too, especially when you are meeting somebody important, or worse, in a job interview. So, to get rid of these awkward moments and wrong assumptions from people, here are 5 helpful tips to keep your smiles bright and healthy. 

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Gargle
Apple cider vinegar has natural whitening properties, that when used together with baking soda, can effectively remove stains. It is also a powerful cleaning agent, but very mild to gums and teeth. It kills bacteria-causing gum disease by maintaining an acidic environment in your mouth. So, make it a habit to gargle apple cider vinegar diluted in water, for a cleaner and brighter smile.
 
2. Citrus peels and strawberries
Citrus fruits like the orange, is rich in vitamin C, pectin, limonene, glucarate, and soluble fiber, which are said to have natural teeth whitening properties. The limonene serves as a natural solvent cleaner and are even an ingredient of many teeth whitening products. The lemon is said to have similar results, too. Both fruits are high in acid content, so rinsing the mouth after using or eating them will help prevent damage to the tooth enamel.
 
Strawberries contain an enzyme called malic acid, and Vitamin C. It also has astringent properties that remove stains from the surface of the teeth. The Vitamin C helps get rid of plaque by washing it away. Mash a handful of strawberries and apply them on the teeth. Repeat the process twice a week.
 
 3. Whitening Gel trays instead of whitening strips
There are various ways to effectively whiten the teeth. Two of the most effective ways are the teeth whitening gels that are used with a gel tray or mold and whitening strips. But, most people find the gels much more effective than the strips because it evenly distributes the gel over the teeth. Whitening strips, on the other hand, could not reach the gumline making it appear darker than the rest. Although, the use of the gel tray will take hours, sometimes even overnight for the gel to work, the results are always far better than using strips alone.  
 
4. Floss regularly and use whitening toothpaste
Flossing, when done regularly, yields amazing results. It protects the teeth from getting damaged when you get rid of food particles lodged between the teeth. This will prevent bacteria-causing diseases to thrive in that area. Flossing also makes a difference in the color of your teeth. Once you get rid of the stains and other debris between the teeth, it will make them look whiter.

5. Brush teeth with baking soda once a week
Baking soda is known to be very useful around the house. Because of its natural mild abrasiveness, it can also be used to remove surface stains from teeth, making them look whiter. Do it once a week only, because too much use can also cause damage to the tooth enamel. It can make the gums feel raw and sensitive, if done regularly. If this is the case, salt can be used as a safe alternative too.
 
 
If these options are not working well enough for the present condition of your teeth, try to get some professional help. Dentists can recommend professional whitening methods that really work. Some of them may be a bit on the pricey side, but they will all be worth it, once you achieve that perfect smile.