A whiter smile, We all want it. But no matter how many times we all brush, that white smile just becomes more elusive. Why does that happen and how can we really get the smile that's the envy of all our friends?

Let's start with why your smile is a little less than perfect. Your teeth absorb all the color of all the foods and drinks your mouth comes into contact with. Every single color. Think of them like sponges, and the food you love to eat tends to leave the colors you probably don't want to see. Coffee, tea, red wine, and berries are common enemies against white teeth. Additionally, every bit of food you eat can encourage plaque buildup and enamel erosion that help discolor your teeth. Stains can be removed through regular teeth cleaning and teeth whitening procedures. Whitening gels, for example, absorbs into your teeth and pushes stains out through the teeth’s pores. There are also many natural ways to whiten your teeth, such as the following:

• Changing your diet: Avoid (or at least reduce) the consumption of products that stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, and red wine. It may look silly, but try drinking with a straw so the liquid slips through your front teeth. Studies show that certain fruits and vegetables are also proven to help whiten your teeth, such as strawberries, pineapples, and papayas.
• Oil pulling: Research suggests that this traditional Indian dental practice may help whiten the teeth. It involves rinsing the mouth with oil for a minute, brushing, then spitting it out. The oil helps to remove dirt and bacteria that would normally turn into plaque and discolor your teeth. Try it with coconut oil, sunflower oil, or sesame oil.
• Hydrogen peroxide: This is a natural bleaching agent that aids in whitening stained teeth and killing bacteria. Most whitening kits you see at the store contain this crucial ingredient. Due to its concentrated strength, it’s best diluted with water or mixed with baking soda. Our Rembrandt Whitening Strips, for example, utilize hydrogen peroxide to create a brilliant whitening effect.

Sadly, there are dozens of other methods that people swear by but have little solid, reputable evidence to back up their claims. Here are some supposed teeth whitening agents that are more fools gold than pearly whites:

• Lemon juice
• Oranges
• Apple cider vinegar
• Activated charcoal

Lemon juice, oranges, and apple cider vinegar are all highly acidic. It will erode the enamel on your teeth, weakening them and making them more susceptible to dental problems. Activated charcoal, which has been a hot topic in the oral hygiene world, contains abrasive properties that may also eat away at teeth enamel. These methods are recommended time and time again, though they still require many studies before we can prove its effectiveness.

The biggest Shyn tip we have regarding teeth whitening is our very own teeth whitening kit. With LED technology and enamel-safe ingredients, you can say hello to sparkly bright teeth within a few short weeks.

Use any teeth whitening remedy with caution and know that overuse of any product can damage your teeth. Double check with your dentist about whitening treatments that work best for you.