Easy Tips for a Whiter Smile

Looking to improve your smile with whitening at home? With thousands of different products and DIY fads out there these days, it can be difficult to know what is effective and trustworthy. Achieving and maintaining a brighter whiter smile at home can be simple and safe by following the American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines.

What works:
• Brushing twice a day with a gentle whitening fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing once a day
• Rinsing thoroughly with water after eating staining foods (coffee, tea, etc)
• Using ADA accepted OTC whitening products
• Not smoking or using chewing tobacco

What doesn’t work:
• Charcoal or abrasive scrubs (these can damage your enamel)
• Oil and spice rinses/pulls
• Natural fruit or vinegar scrubs/rinses (these can wear away your enamel and potentially cause cavities)

When shopping at the pharmacy, any product with the ADA seal of acceptance is backed by extensive research and is considered safe and effective. If you are unsure about a specific at-home whitening product, just ask your local dental professional. However, it is important to remember that the easiest solution is often times the best. A great daily oral hygiene routine can go a long way in keeping your pearly whites shining!