For some, keeping your smile white takes a lot of work. Whether you have had your teeth whitened professionally or not, keeping your teeth looking healthy requires attention.
Check out these six tips for a whiter, brighter smile!
PRACTICE GOOD ORAL HYGIENE One of the best pieces of advice for all around dental health is to brush your teeth at least twice a day, as well as to floss once daily and brush your tongue.
Here’s why: Brushing removes plaque and helps to prevent dental stains before they start. Flossing removes food and germs from in between the teeth and prevent cavities. Scraping the tongue from back to front can decrease bacteria buildup and lessen the chance of teeth discoloration.
REPLACE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH REGULARLY The American Dental Association recommends changing out your toothbrush at least every 3 – 4 months. If bristles are bent or frayed, replace your brush even sooner. Over time, toothbrushes become less effective at removing plaque from teeth as compared to new brushes. Unfortunately, brushing with an ineffective brush can leave teeth discolored and dull. Replace your brush and your teeth will thank you!
HAVE A TEETH-FRIENDLY DIET Fruits and vegetables are good for both your body and your teeth! Eating crunchy veggies and fruits can help you produce saliva, which helps to rinse your mouth of stain-causing bacteria. Be sure to rinse your mouth after eating citrus fruits to stop the acid from corroding your teeth. Healthy foods help your body keep tooth enamel strong, and strong teeth can better withstand staining. Some examples of teeth-friendly foods are apples, broccoli, kale, nuts, milk, cheese and chicken.
AVOID STAIN-CAUSING FOODS AND BEVERAGES To keep teeth white, limit your intake on certain foods and beverages. The most popular offenders are coffee, red wine, tea and soda. However, other foods, such as berries, tomato sauce, candy and even strong spices can leave stains on your pearly whites. Smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco are habits that are not only bad for your health, but they can cause terrible stains and buildup on your teeth.
RINSE WITH WATER AFTER EATING If you do choose to indulge yourself with anything that could leave stains on your teeth, don’t fret! The best thing you can do, aside from brushing your teeth, is to swish plain water in your mouth. Rinsing for 30 seconds can loosen bits of food, drink or germs that might be stuck to your teeth. This trick can help prevent staining and keep those teeth bright.
VISIT YOUR DENTIST Visiting the dentist every six months is one of the simplest ways to keep your teeth healthy, clean and white. Dental cleanings are much more comprehensive than the cleaning you get from your toothbrush at home. Your dentist will professionally remove plaque and thoroughly clean your teeth while also checking up on your dental health.
We want our patients to be proud of their bright and healthy smiles. (They’re yours for life!) If you are looking to whiten your teeth even more, ask us about our professional teeth whitening services.
Comments