Pearly and White!

Hi all and Happy Tuesday.  Today’s topic—teeth whitening—is actually near and dear to me, as I’ve paid VERY close attention to my teeth since getting my braces taken off in 9^th grade…SIX YEARS after they were put on!  Yup, that’s right—SIX YEARS of braces will, without a doubt, lead to compulsive teeth whitening, flossing, and scrubbing.   

Back in high school, when I had my braces removed, my parents refused to pay even more money for any kind of teeth whitening.  In retrospect I’m glad they held their ground on this as it led me to develop some seriously good teeth whitening habits on my own.  When I say good teeth whitening habits, this is what I mean:

1) I always have Crest White Strips in my house.  Always.  But instead of adorning them daily for 30 days (or whatever it is that they instruct) I put them on once a week, every week or so.  This also prevents my teeth from becoming sensitive.

   2) I floss.  Every night.  I think this helps, because it leaves a clean surface for the next two items…

   3) Listerine Whitening Pre-rinse.  If you’re gonna use a mouthwash, why wouldn’t you use one that helps whiten?  I’m addicted to it now, and feel like my mouth isn’t clean if I don’t use it. 

   4) Whitening toothpaste with baking soda—the best ingredient for long-lasting whitening.  Period. Tom's of Maine simply white.

   5)  If I’m drinking stain-inducing dark liquids like tea or coffee, I always slug a ton of water at the same time.  I’m convinced this thwarts any kind of permanent damage.  Believe it or not, strawberries actually help whiten your teeth as well. 

6) Last but not least: if I’m going to chew gum—ever—it’s Trident whitening gum.  Because—again—why wouldn’t you choose something that’s actually helping you out?

What do you do to keep ‘em pearly and white?!? 

Until next week this is Tara, wishing you all the very best!