If you’ve ever chosen a black-and-white Instagram filter just to make your teeth look brighter, raise your hand. White teeth: Everybody wants ‘em, but unless you’re an A-list actor, a dentist or totally caffeine-averse, they seem to require far too much effort.
But according to Gregg Lituchy, a New York-based cosmetic dentist, the key to a lustrous smile is simply at-home maintenance. Below, he shares his tips on how achieve white teeth—and keep them that way.
As far as beverage-induced stains go, tea—not coffee—is the worst offender.
Why? Tea contains a high concentration of tannin, a polyphenol antioxidant that adheres to enamel. If you’re really committed, you can apply Vaseline on your teeth before you sip as a preventative measure.
Why? Tea contains a high concentration of tannin, a polyphenol antioxidant that adheres to enamel. If you’re really committed, you can apply Vaseline on your teeth before you sip as a preventative measure.
Aging is also a culprit of discolored teeth.
“Naturally as we age, the enamel gets thinner,” says Dr. Lituchy. “The pores in the teeth open allowing more stains to get in, and the inner dentin, which is yellow, can show through making teeth look discolored.” Womp womp.
“Naturally as we age, the enamel gets thinner,” says Dr. Lituchy. “The pores in the teeth open allowing more stains to get in, and the inner dentin, which is yellow, can show through making teeth look discolored.” Womp womp.
Whitening toothpastes, chewing gums and mouthwashes are not as miraculous as they claim to be.
Meaning, they don’t actually whiten teeth. “In order for a whitening product to work, it needs to remain in contact with the tooth structure for at least 20 minutes,” Dr. Lituchy says. But! They do remove surface stains from the teeth.
Meaning, they don’t actually whiten teeth. “In order for a whitening product to work, it needs to remain in contact with the tooth structure for at least 20 minutes,” Dr. Lituchy says. But! They do remove surface stains from the teeth.
Whitening strips, however, are the real deal.
“Combined with daily use of a whitening toothpaste, they’re an affordable alternative to in-office bleaching,” says Dr. Lituchy.
Now, what about sensitive teeth?
That uncomfortable zapping sensation—”zingers,” as Dr. Lituchy calls it—can be effectively treated with a desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne. In-office, your dentist can provide relief with a treatment of potassium nitrate and fluoride ions.
That uncomfortable zapping sensation—”zingers,” as Dr. Lituchy calls it—can be effectively treated with a desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne. In-office, your dentist can provide relief with a treatment of potassium nitrate and fluoride ions.
The secrets to maintaining a white smile might be in your kitchen.
Brushing with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can remove surface stains and is also healthy for the gums, Dr. Lituchy says. Chowing down on crunchy and dense, leafy vegetables such as celery, carrots and kale also helps clean teeth.
Brushing with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can remove surface stains and is also healthy for the gums, Dr. Lituchy says. Chowing down on crunchy and dense, leafy vegetables such as celery, carrots and kale also helps clean teeth.
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