Many people swear by whitening strips as a part of maintaining overall dental health and cleaning your teeth. However, while the strips do make your teeth look better, they do not fight gum disease or tooth decay. You must make sure to brush and floss regularly as well, to keep from developing problems inside your mouth.
If you run out of toothpaste, baking soda and water can be an effective substitute. Simply mix in some water with a small amount of baking soda and use it just as you would toothpaste. An added benefit to using baking soda is that, along with neutralizing mouth odors, its abrasive nature can help with stain removal.
You should brush for a minimum of two minutes. Take the time to brush each tooth carefully, starting from the gum line and moving toward the top of the tooth. Don’t brush with too much force; you risk damage. If you feel pain while brushing, try using a soft-bristle toothbrush.
Sticky foods are terrible for teeth, but that isn’t just sugary gums or candies. In fact, bananas carry a ton of sugar and will stick to your teeth, leading to problems. French fries carry the same hazard, plus they come with unhealthy fats and tons of sodium. Try to avoid both if you can’t brush right after eating.
Although they are very healthy for your insides, acidic things like oranges and orange juice can be brutal on your teeth. The acidic properties can wear away the vital layer of enamel on the surface! Whenever you do enjoy foods high in acids, be sure and brush well as soon as possible.
Pay special attention to your molars when brushing your teeth! It’s easy to only stick with the teeth that you’re able to see in a mirror, but your teeth will start to decay if they don’t get any attention paid to them. So when you brush, take good care to treat all of your teeth equally!
As was stated earlier, whitening strips are no substitute for brushing and flossing your teeth every day. Gum disease and tooth decay can still happen in teeth that are pearly white. The strips just alter the color; they do not fight bacteria. It is the bacteria that will corrode your gums over time.