f your pearly whites aren’t as bright as you’d like, rest assured that you have options. More options now than ever, actually. While Coldplay waxes poetic about the colour yellow, it isn’t a hue anyone loves gracing their teeth. Read on to learn about treatment options, food and drink you should avoid, and simple ways you can preserve that alabaster smile of yours.

Lasers and Lamps and Gel Trays, Oh My!

Technology may have (allegedly) placed man on the moon and allowed scientists to wipe out diseases that were once widespread, but when it comes to whitening your teeth, hydrogen peroxide (HP) is still the go-to chemical of choice. Yes, hydrogen peroxide is the same molecule used to bleach human hair, sterilize medical offices, and is used by veterinarians as an emetic – appetizing! Does that mean it’s unsafe to be putting gobs of it on your teeth? Maybe, maybe not – I feel like everything is horrible for us these days. In which case, you might as well open wide and embrace that pesticide-like taste for a half-hour.

While the chemical has remained the same, methods of application have evolved. For those whitening on a shoestring, Crest Whitestrips and other DIY at-home products are good for giving you a superficial boost. The pros of these kits are that you can use them wherever and whenever is convenient for you. The lower concentration of HP means that you’re less likely to develop sensitive teeth and gums. However, the cons are that these products don’t get deep into crevices between teeth.

In order to achieve longer-lasting results that whiten every nook and cranny, laser whitening or halogen lamp treatments are best. Halogen lamp treatments are done in a dentist office and only require one treatment that lasts anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. It is a gentler treatment in terms of HP strength, but the process is relatively uncomfortable. Conversely, laser whitening achieves the highest strength of whitening possible but it’s also the most costly treatment (about twice the cost of halogen lamp whitening). Another major drawback is that laser treatments can cause teeth and gum to permanently become extremely sensitive to both hot and cold.

Don’t You Put it in Your Mouth

It’s not news that cigarettes and coffee are major culprits of tooth discoloration. However, plenty of other edibles and beverages can drain the white out of your enamel. Tomato sauce, for instance, is highly acidic and binds relatively strongly to teeth. Too much of it can make the enamel porous and more prone to staining. Tea and cola are also bad for your chompers, as is red wine and chocolate. The list is rounded out by some particularly surprising ingredients to avoid, like antioxidant-rich blueberries, staining soy sauce and belligerent balsamic vinegar. While some of you may have a hard time cutting out tasty teas or splashing soy sauce on your rice, try your best to reduce the frequency that you consume these aforementioned evils. Or, if you must have a blueberry salad glazed in balsamic, with a glass of merlot on the side, get to a sink ASAP and brush your teeth before the stains can really set in.

Tips and Tricks to Avoid the Tinge

The use of a straw can seriously help, as the liquid passes by your front teeth and has a lesser chance of staining them. While this may work well with cola, sipping down red wine or tea may cause your friends and family to desert you forever. Otherwise, the age-old recommendations for oral help will go a long way. Regular brushing and flossing will keep teeth clean and remove surface stains before they yellow. Many oral rinses now contain whitening ingredients as well. Lastly, a reputable whitening toothpaste can add some shine to your teeth and function as a great preventative measure as well. A new product by Crest actually works to strengthen enamel through a uniquely-formulate toothpaste and also helps whiten teeth with its inclusion of Crest WhiteStrips, to be used weekly. To learn more about this new, two-step product that aims to maximize oral health and beauty, click here.