Have you ever looked in the mirror and wonder if you should use a whitening strip to get a dazzling smile? If you mentally nodded yes, you are not alone. Many people believe shiny teeth improve the smile. But put a hold on the idea of buying a whitening strip. When it comes to teeth, the easy answer may not be the right one.

Culprits behind stained teeth
One of the biggest disadvantages of modern living is the food we eat. Most often, things like to eat are acidic and rich in sugar and salt. Acidic food hurts your enamel and may cause tooth sensitivity. When the enamel is damaged, it can pick up stains a lot easier. Smoking cigarettes, drinking lots of coffee/tea or colas can cause staining in your teeth. If you do not brush after every meal, the chances of staining multiply.
Genetics also plays a part in enamel decay and teeth staining. If your parents are non-smokers and have stained teeth, you may also follow their footsteps.
How can I get rid of stains?
Luckily, we have several options available to get rid of teeth stains. Whitening strips are not a good option because they typically result in uneven whitening which looks worse than stained teeth. Some whitening strips contain harsh chemicals that may irritate your enamel and cause sensitivity. Almost all whitening strips create sensitivity if used for a long time. So, we suggest staying away from them altogether.
Whitening toothpaste is another readily available option. But beware, some whitening toothpastes have harsh abrasives that damage your enamel permanently. Damaged enamel is more dangerous than a stained tooth. So, do not buy a whitening paste based on TV ads.
Instead, ask your dentist to suggest a mild whitening paste. Use it as per his advice and ensure you brush gently. It is best to brush with whitening paste for a week and then do it only once a week for maintenance.
But that is not enough. You should follow proper dental habits to ensure your teeth are healthy and shiny.
Here are some simple steps to ensure oral health.
- Brush gently after each meal.
- Limit consumption of acidic food.
- After every meal, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
By following these simple steps, you can avoid most of your teeth problems and also get that dazzling smile.