7 Things You Can Try To Whiten Your Teeth

There's nothing wrong with having yellow teeth—not all are born with white teeth. But if the discoloration is bothering you, here are the at-home and professional methods you can try:

1. Avoid foods that stain.

   "An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure," and this saying will jumpstart your teeth-whitening routine. Avoiding foods that can stain your teeth, like tomato-based sauces, chocolate, soy sauce, and coffee, will keep your pearly whites pristine. Also, smoking makes your teeth yellow, so hold off the cig if you want to have brighter chompers.

2. Get used to sipping your drinks with a straw.

   Sipping via a straw will prevent coffee and other colored drinks from touching your teeth. But of course, this doesn't give you a license to mindlessly chug milk tea and iced lattes! Also, be conscious of plastic waste by investing in a stainless steel straw. 

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   Batuts Metal Straw Set, P185, Batuts PH

3. Swish with a whitening mouthwash

   Gargling with a whitening mouthwash BEFORE you brush your teeth will help dislodge particles stuck in between your teeth, making flossing and brushing super easy. We recommend the Listerine Healthy White + Salt Mouthwash as it reduces stain formation and protects the teeth from discoloration.

   

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   Listerine Healthy White + Salt Mouthwash, P135, Watsons

4. Brush with a brightening toothpaste

   Obviously, you have to cleanse your ivories with a whitening toothpaste. The Colgate Optic White Sprakling White Toothpaste has optic brighteners that cancel out the yellow tones. Alternatively, you can also try charcoal toothpaste to draw out deep-seated stains.

   

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   Colgate Optic White Sparkling White Toothpaste, P61, Watsons

5. Score a cosmetic whitening treatment.

   If you're looking for instant results, Smile Bar's whitening services will surely satisfy you. I once tried it, and it only took an hour for my teeth to become four shades lighter than what it was originally. The effect will last up to six months, depending on your lifestyle (see tip #1.).

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   Smile Bar Single Whitening - P3,999; Double Whitening - P5,999; Triple Whitening - P7,499; Nano Seal Total+ - P1,299, Smile Bar Uptown Mall, BGC

6. Try at-home teeth whitening strips.

   The Crest 3D White Whitestrips promise to get rid of stains and discoloration on your tooth enamel in just three days, and full results within 20 days. The formula contains the same safe and effective ingredients that dentists use.

   

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   Crest 3D White Luxe Professional Effects Whitestrips, P1,600/10 Treatments (20 Strips), P3,140/20 Treatments (40 Strips), Crest PH

7. Get a professional teeth whitening treatment.

   Trust a highly trained dentist to perform an in-clinic teeth whitening treatment. This produces faster results compared to the DIY remedies mentioned above. Here's what goes on in the procedure: The dentist applies a high concentration peroxide gel to get rid of discoloration and lift stubborn stains. It lasts up to two hours, but knowing the possibility that your teeth may become eight shades lighter after the treatment is so worth it.

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