Many people want a bright, white smile. Whether you’re getting ready for an event or want to feel more confident, learning how to get white teeth is the first step to a healthier, brighter smile.
In this easy guide, we’ll talk about the best ways to make your teeth white. From simple home remedies to professional treatments, you’ll learn how to keep your smile looking great.
Let’s get started!
What Causes Teeth Discolouration?
Before we talk about how to get white teeth, let’s first understand what causes yellow teeth. Over time, teeth can naturally change colour, but certain things can make this happen faster.
Natural Ageing And Enamel Wear
As we get older, the outer layer of our teeth, called enamel, can wear away. When this happens, the yellowish part inside the tooth, called dentin, becomes visible.
This is a normal part of ageing and can make teeth look less white.
Eating And Drinking Staining Foods
Some foods and drinks can stain teeth. Coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and strong sauces can leave marks.
Also, acidic foods and drinks, like citrus fruits, can make the enamel weak, making it easier for stains to stick.
Smoking And Tobacco Use
Smoking and using tobacco can cause teeth stains. The tar and nicotine can make your teeth yellow or brown.
Poor Oral Hygiene
If you don’t brush and floss your teeth often, plaque and tartar can build up. This can make your teeth look yellow and make stains stand out more.
Tooth Decay And Gum Disease
Tooth decay and gum disease can also change the colour of your teeth. Plaque and bacteria can build up and harm the enamel, leading to stains.
How To Get White Teeth: Everyday Practices
Now that you know what causes teeth discolouration, let’s explore the daily ways to get white teeth.
Good Oral Hygiene
Practising good oral hygiene is one of the easiest ways to keep your teeth white. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss, and use mouthwash to remove plaque and stains.
This will help keep your teeth bright and fresh. Make sure to use fluoride toothpaste, as it can protect your tooth enamel and help prevent cavities.
Whitening Toothpaste
If you want to whiten your teeth at home, try using whitening toothpaste. These toothpastes have mild abrasives that can clean surface stains and make your teeth look whiter.
They might also have whitening ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or baking soda to help fight stains. If your teeth have bigger stains, you might need stronger treatments.
Natural Teeth Whitening Remedies
If you like natural solutions, you can try a few remedies at home. These methods may not work quickly, but they can help keep your teeth looking fresh and healthy.
Baking Soda: Baking soda is a natural teeth-whitening remedy. It’s a mild abrasive that can remove stains and brighten your smile. Simply dip your toothbrush into a little baking soda and brush gently.
Oil Pulling With Coconut Oil: Oil pulling is another natural remedy. It’s an old practice in which you swish coconut oil around in your mouth for a few minutes. This can help remove bacteria and plaque. Some people believe it reduces staining and improves oral health.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can clean things naturally. When mixed with water, it may help remove surface stains. But be careful because its acidity can wear down enamel if you use it too often.
Professional Teeth Whitening: A Faster Solution
Professional teeth whitening might be right for you if you want faster, more dramatic results. Dentists offer treatments that can make your teeth noticeably whiter.
In-Chair Teeth Whitening
This is a teeth-whitening treatment done by a dentist in the office. It uses a stronger teeth-whitening gel, like carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, to break down stains and lighten your teeth.
During the treatment, your dentist will apply a whitening gel to your teeth and might use a light or laser to improve the gel. This treatment can give you noticeable results after just one session.
Teeth Whitening Trays
If you want to whiten your teeth at home, your dentist can create custom whitening trays for you. You fill the trays with the dentist’s whitening gel and wear them for a set amount of time, often overnight.
This method is usually more effective than store-bought teeth-whitening kits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my teeth stay white after whitening?
If you do whitening at home, you might need to touch up your teeth more often.
Are there any problems after whitening my teeth?
Some people feel their teeth or gums are a little sore after whitening. This usually goes away in a few days.
Make sure to follow your dentist’s advice to avoid problems.
How often can I use whitening toothpaste?
You can use whitening toothpaste every day. But use regular toothpaste alongside it to keep your teeth strong.
If you have sensitive teeth, use whitening toothpaste less often.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have crowns or veneers?
Whitening treatments won’t change the colour of crowns or veneers. If you have these and want to whiten your natural teeth, ask your dentist what to do for the best smile.
Can whitening help with tough stains from smoking?
Yes, whitening can help with tough stains from smoking, but it might not work well for deep stains.
If the stains are hard to remove, your dentist can help you get the best results.
Is whitening safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
It’s best not to whiten your teeth while pregnant or breastfeeding. The chemicals in whitening products could be harmful.
Ask your dentist for better ways to keep your smile bright.
Conclusion
Getting a brighter smile and learning how to get white teeth is easy! With the right tools and treatments, you can have a whiter, healthier smile that makes you feel good.
The most important thing is to keep brushing and caring for your teeth. Remember, a beautiful smile starts with healthy teeth!
Our friendly team in Castle Hill and Winston Hills can help you get the smile you’ve always wanted.
Sources
WebMD Editorial Contributors. Tooth Discoloration [Internet]. WebMD. 2023 [cited 2025 Jan 17]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tooth-discoloration
Russell AM. Natural Teeth Whitening: Everything You Need To Know [Internet]. Forbes Health. 2023 [cited 2025 Jan 17]. Available from: https://www.forbes.com/health/dental/natural-teeth-whitening/
Watson S. What to Expect from Professional Teeth Whitening [Internet]. Verywell Health. 2024 [cited 2025 Jan 17]. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-is-professional-in-office-teeth-whitening-done-1059032
Gillespie C. Does Hydrogen Peroxide Whiten Teeth—and Is It Safe? [Internet]. Health. 2023 [cited 2025 Jan 17]. Available from: https://www.health.com/condition/oral-health/is-it-safe-to-use-hydrogen-peroxide-to-whiten-teeth
