What Are the Best Teeth Whitening Tips?

Branch Street Dental • May 30, 2023

Finding the right dentist in Methuen MA can really help you improve your smile. Check out this guide for some of our favorite teeth whitening tips.

teeth whitening, dentist in Methuen MA

You say a lot about yourself with your smile — even if you don't intend to. Having a great smile can make you look more approachable, something that could help you out during job interviews, meeting new people, etc.


One of the best ways to improve your smile is through teeth whitening. Not everybody understands how to get started, though. We've put together a brief guide with the key information you need to consider. Let's dive in.

Have Good Dental Hygiene

This is one of the most important steps to take when it comes to achieving white teeth.


In general, you should brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. It's also recommended to scrape your tongue. This will go a long way toward preventing the buildup of plaque and the development of gum disease.

Those who have poor dental hygiene shouldn't make the mistake of assuming this issue can't be fixed. You should see stellar results in just a couple of months if you start now.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is one of the worst things you can do when it comes to the color of your teeth.


Long-term smokers eventually find that their teeth become yellow or even brown. It's not enough to simply reduce how often you smoke. It's best to eliminate this habit entirely. Not only will it help make your teeth whiter, but it will also improve your overall health.


After all, smoking has been linked to a
number of health issues. Those who smoke for long periods of time are at a greater risk of developing them.

Avoid Certain Foods

Interestingly, many people are unaware that certain foods can lead to the development of stains on your teeth. Unfortunately, these stains aren’t something that you can get rid of easily on your own. This includes tomato sauce, fruit juice, red wine, and coffee.


This doesn't mean that you need to completely eliminate these from your diet, though. Use a straw when possible and rinse your mouth out with water afterward. This will help ensure that you don't develop stains as time goes on.

No Added Sugar

Foods that contain added sugar interact with the bacteria in your mouth and produce acid. This acid can lead to stains. In some cases, it could even cause you to lose enamel.


Instead, it's best to opt for foods like vegetables and fruits. Junk food can lead to health complications if you indulge on a regular basis, as well. As long as you prioritize healthy food options, you shouldn’t encounter any issues.

Use Whitening Toothpaste

This is a simple way to get started. Regular use of whitening toothpaste can help give your smile a much brighter appearance over the coming months.


Most reliable whitening toothpaste brands include ingredients like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and activated charcoal.

However, these products are only useful for whitening the surface of your teeth. They don't whiten the entire tooth. So, there are limits when it comes to the results you can obtain.

Use an Electric Toothbrush

An electric toothbrush is much more effective than a conventional toothbrush.


So, it's worth investing in one so that you can maximize your dental hygiene. Although they are more expensive than regular toothbrushes, they will last for years and provide stellar results in comparison. Just be sure not to overbrush when using them, as this could lead to tooth sensitivity or gum recession.

Use Whitening Gel Trays

These are great short-term options for those who want whiter teeth fast. They work by biting down on a tray that is filled with peroxide gel. Users should leave the tray in their mouth for between two and three hours.


You shouldn't whiten more than a week or two consecutively, though. This could result in tooth sensitivity.


The same can be said about leaving the whitening tray in your mouth overnight.

Schedule Regular Checkups

The only way to fully prevent oral health issues is by going to the dentist for regular checkups.


They will remove any plaque or tartar buildup and can also check for early signs of larger problems. Your dentist will let you know if you are a good candidate for tooth whitening, as not everybody can take advantage of professional tooth whitening services.

For example, someone who has a porcelain crown shouldn’t whiten their teeth since the treatment will not work on the crown. The rest of the teeth will whiten around it.


In general, though, most people can take advantage of this treatment option.

Find the Right Dentist

Finding the right dentist in Methuen MA is essential when it comes to getting the best outcome. You should check their reputation to determine the experiences other clients had.

You should also make sure that they offer
teeth whitening services. You could ask friends or family members in your local area if they can recommend a dentist they trust.


Of course, you should be comfortable communicating with them and they should seem interested in helping you reach your goals. This is the only way to ensure that you get the outcome you desire.

Start Teeth Whitening Today

Teeth whitening can help take your smile to the next level. As long as you consider the above information, you'll be sure to have beautiful teeth in no time.



Get in touch with us at Branch Street Dental today to see what we can do. Our experienced staff will help get you on the right track toward getting the stellar results you deserve.

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