Spring Forward with a Fresh Smile: What Are My Whitening Options?

There are multiple ways to brighten your smile, from quick and budget-friendly options you can do at home to powerful professional treatments offered by your dentist. These options vary by when you’ll see results, how much they cost, and how dramatic the improvement is. 

Some products gently lift surface stains over time, while professional solutions can whiten your teeth multiple shades after just one visit.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through top-notch choices that help you match your whitening approach to your lifestyle, budget, and smile goals.

See Adam Cottrill, DMD, at Nashville Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry in Nashville, Tennessee, for a personalized teeth whitening plan to spring forward with a fresh smile.

1. Limit foods and drinks that stain

Some foods and drinks tend to stain your teeth more than others. Examples include coffee, tea, cola, dark juices, red wine, sports drinks, and other brightly colored drinks. Foods that may stain include tomato sauce, berries, soy sauce, colored candy, popsicles, and colored frostings. 

1. Brush after meals

Brushing your teeth after meals, especially when consuming stain-causing foods and drinks, can minimize discoloration to keep your pearly whites brighter. Brush after meals whenever possible, even if you need to carry a toothbrush with you when eating away from home. It’s also helpful to floss at least once daily. 

1. Avoid smoking

Smoking can significantly stain your teeth. Quitting isn’t just beneficial for your health; it can dramatically improve the look of your smile. 

2. Use whitening toothpaste

Dr. Cottrill can suggest a whitening toothpaste that matches your personalized needs and keeps your pearly whites bright. 

3. Consider whitening mouthwash

Ask Dr. Cottrill if you’re a candidate for whitening mouthwash, how often to use it, and which products are the safest for maintaining your beautiful smile. 

4. Try in-office professional teeth whitening

In-office professional teeth whitening at Nashville Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry is one of the fastest ways to make your teeth multiple shades whiter in about an hour. The results are dramatic and can help you gain the confident grin you deserve. 

5. Consider home-based teeth whitening

Dr. Cottrill offers professional-strength teeth whitening trays and gels you can take home to significantly whiten your teeth as you spring forward into a fresh smile. This whitening method is convenient, safe, and offers superior results. 

6. Have your teeth professionally cleaned

Our experts at Nashville Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry offer routine professional teeth cleanings that thoroughly remove mild staining and brighten your teeth. Aim to have your teeth cleaned at least twice yearly to optimize your oral health and keep your smile gorgeous.

Other smile-enhancing options

If you have significant tooth damage or decay and desire a perfect grin, Nashville Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry provides additional options for a brighter and flawless smile. 

Examples include dental veneers, dental bonding, crowns, bridges, dentures, dental implants (including All-on-4 implants), full mouth reconstruction, and numerous other cosmetic dentistry solutions. 

Head into spring with a fresh start by booking an appointment with Dr. Cottrill at Nashville Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry. Call our office or request an appointment online today.