We as humans strive on human relationships; in a single day we interact with many people in our work place and society. They maybe total strangers or people that we already know. When we talk to someone we look at their faces and communicate using speech. It would be a very pleasing conversation if smiles are involved; a beautiful smile can express what a thousand words can’t say. It might even go to the extent of deciding whether you do or do not get a job after an interview because of the first impression you made. A set of pearl white teeth are an essential element in the perfect smile.

A problem many people have is how to whiten teeth and maintain it for a great smile. Whitening teeth can be done with the help of a dentist through D-I-Y’s at home. When you whiten teeth yourself, it could take a long time to actually see results but it is sure to give you results. Good oral hygiene will always help. You can get yourself a home teeth whitening kit which would include a whitening pen, a very portable whiten teeth solution. A solution of hydrogen peroxide could also be used to whiten teeth but they should be used with caution and with professional help only. Peroxide solution doesn’t harm your teeth but for some people it irritates gums.

Once you whiten your teeth by yourself, maintaining is essential. After meals always brush your teeth and avoid food which contains colored pigments like tea, coffee and sauces. Certain berries can stain your teeth too. If you are having a fresh juice that you suspect might stain your teeth, use a straw.

Some people misunderstand that brushing your teeth hard helps whiten teeth, but it  actually does the opposite. As time goes by and your brush hard, the enamel of your teeth will wear off and the secondary layer of the tooth will be seen. This layer is called the dentine and is a yellowish brown colored layer. So, definitely. brushing hard will not whiten teeth. Using an electric tooth brush will clean teeth sufficiently.

A professional teeth whitening by a dentist lasts for five months, maybe up to a year with good care. Using professional methods to whiten teeth gives results faster and lasts longer than do-it-yourself methods. They also use peroxides along with other harmless compounds and jells. A “laser” is used with the chemicals; these so called “lasers” are not real lasers but bright lights. Eye protection will be used and no harm will be done. Another more permanent method is to use porcelain veneers. This method involves actually covering your discoloured teeth with white porcelain caps. It is a bit more time consuming and costs more. You could bring the cost down using resin instead of porcelain.

Some tooth paste which are said to whiten teeth do not contain peroxides which whiten teeth, instead they have polishing and cleaning agents. Although no harm is done, their maximum capability is to whiten teeth by a shade, not more.

The best method is to combine professional help and good oral care to ensure a clean smile. A touch up at the dentist every 3 months will be adequate. But avoid using lemon or lime juices to whiten teeth as some people may suggest. They only harm the enamel of your teeth.