Whitening Tips That Actually Work

Summer is the season of sun-soaked selfies, spontaneous getaways, and memory-making moments. Whether you’re saying “I do,” catching up at a class reunion, or heading somewhere tropical, one thing is for sure: you'll want to be smile-ready this summer. White teeth have a way of making us feel more confident and photo-ready, so this is the perfect time to invest in teeth whitening before the season heats up.


Whitening Tips That Actually Work

While there’s a flood of whitening tricks out there (hello, DIY lemon juice scrubs — please don’t), not all of them deliver. Today, we’re cutting through the noise to give you whitening tips that actually work to leave you selfie-ready this summer.


1. Book a Professional Whitening Treatment with Your Dentist

Though at-home whitening products have become popular with over-the-counter brands, professional teeth whitening with a cosmetic dentist is still known to be the best way to achieve a white and bright smile when it comes to the speed of results, safety, and treatment tailored to your unique oral conditions. Professional whitening solutions used by your dentist are much stronger and more effective than anything you could buy off the shelf, and the application by a trained professional minimizes the risk of gum irritation or uneven tone. MINT dentistry's in-office whitening can brighten your smile by several shades in just one visit. It’s safe, effective, and delivers instant whitening results.

  • Quicker and more dramatic results.
  • Custom treatment plans tailored to your needs. 
  • Ideal for last-minute brides, grooms, and last-minute getaways.


2. Try At-Home Teeth-Whitening Treatments

At-home teeth whitening treatments range from store-bought plastic whitening strips, toothpaste, mouthwash, and even low-grade LED whitening kits. Though they may be less effective than a professional in-office treatment, many of these at-home whitening products do work after time and are more affordable to consumers than professional whitening. MINT dentistry offers FREE take-home teeth whitening kits (with PPO dental insurance) that are fast and easy to use, giving patients a dental-grade teeth whitening experience in the comfort of their own home, in as little as 45 minutes.

  • More affordable than professional treatments.
  • Convenience of at-home use. 
  • Great for maintaining your teeth-whitening results all summer long.


3. Avoid the Smile-Saboteurs

If you want to keep your teeth white and bright for summer, avoid smile-saboteurs like coffee, red wine, dark sodas, dark berries, soy sauce, and tobacco. While you don't have to give them up forever, you can skip them before a big event or vacay to ensure you have #SEXYTEETH this summer. Don't want to give up something on the smile-saboteur list? Simply make yourself aware of these teeth-staining foods or drinks and rinse or brush your teeth after consuming them, and stay on top of your at-home whitening treatments more often. 

  • Avoid coffee, red wine, dark sodas, and other staining saboteurs.
  • Rinse with water or brush teeth after consuming teeth-staining foods or drinks. Water does more than keep your skin glowing — it also rinses away stain-causing agents and helps your mouth produce enough saliva to protect your enamel. Double-win.
  • Stay on top of at-home whitening treatments to counteract the stains.


4. Toss the TikTok DIYs

Social media is overflowing with viral DIY teeth whitening hacks, but remember that not all that trends should be trusted. From brushing with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to scrubbing with activated charcoal or rubbing lemon juice and banana peels on teeth — while these treatments may promise quick, low-cost results, it is often at the expense of your enamel. Many of these methods are overly abrasive or highly acidic, which can lead to tooth sensitivity, enamel erosion, and long-term damage. While the appeal of instant whitening is strong, especially in a 15-second video, the safest and most effective way to whiten your smile is still under the care of your dentist.

  • Baking soda, lemons, and banana peels belong in your kitchen, not in your bathroom as a teeth-whitening solution.
  • Keep charcoal on the grill for your summer BBQ and avoid using it on your teeth — it can be abrasive and damaging to your enamel.
  • The most-trusted teeth-whitening treatments are those approved by your dentist.


5. Book Your Whitening Early

If you have a big event coming up — like a wedding, reunion, or vacation — don’t wait until the last minute to whiten your teeth. Professional whitening treatments can deliver fast results, but your smile will look its best with a little time to settle. Plus, whitening too close to an event can leave your teeth temporarily sensitive, and rushing may not give you time for touch-ups or optimal shade adjustments. For the best teeth-whitening results, schedule your whitening 2–3 weeks before your event, vacation, or the big day so your smile is picture-perfect and party-ready.

  • Don’t wait until the week of a big event to start whitening.
  • Teeth may be temporarily sensitive after treatment, and you’ll want time to fine-tune your results.
  • Schedule your appointment 2–4 weeks before your event.


Want #SEXYTEETH this summer? Book your appointment with MINT dentistry  today, and you'll receive your own custom at-home whitening trays (with PPO dental insurance) or schedule a professional teeth-whitening appointment with our incredible dentists. Whether you’re walking down the aisle, heading to your 10-year reunion, or setting out on a long-overdue vacation — we'll get you smile-ready for summer.


Book your whitening at MINT dentistry today and make it a #SEXYTEETHSUMMER .


* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.