Want to learn how to get whiter teeth? It’s not as difficult as you might think. Yes, you’ll need to make some adjustments to your lifestyle or even try actual teeth whitening, but once you see the noticeable difference in your smile, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. To help you maintain a healthier, brighter, and more beautiful appearance this year, here are 4 effective tips you can use to keep your pearly whites looking their best.
Avoid Dark-Colored Foods and Beverages
If you want to make sure your teeth remain free of stains and discoloration, it’s best to avoid any foods or beverages that are darkly pigmented. Whether it is coffee, soda, tea, red wine, soy sauce, or berries, all of these can leave a mark that can be difficult to remove if left in place too long. The best piece of advice is to simply avoid these at all costs. However, if you simply cannot give up your morning cup of joe or evening glass of red wine, use a straw can minimize the amount of contact between your teeth and the liquid. Eating certain foods at a time that will have you brushing your teeth immediately after consumption can be helpful. Also, being mindful not to sip on a drink for too long can make a difference.
Maintain a Good Oral Hygiene Routine
Regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing can do wonders for your smile. When using fluoride toothpaste, you will not only combat tooth decay but also strengthen your enamel to make it harder for bacteria to penetrate and cause cavities. When plaque and tartar are allowed to form and spread, it can cause your teeth to look dull and yellow. By being consistent with your oral hygiene routine, you can be sure that your teeth and gums look and feel their best year-round. Not to mention, seeing your dentist every six months can put you in an even better position to enjoy a whiter, brighter smile.
Choose Healthier Snacks and Meals
If you love cookies, chips, and other sweet and starchy treats, you’ll need to make some changes to your daily diet. Consuming too many of these particular items will lead to serious oral health problems and a lackluster smile. Bacteria love sugars and starches and can cause harmful acids to form and break down tooth enamel while causing teeth to become dull in appearance. Then you’ll be left with a decayed smile that needs to be repaired and enhanced. Healthier food options like apples, celery, carrots, and cheese will not only cause your salivary glands to flush out bad bacteria, but they will have a positive impact on your smile and body.
Inquire About Professional Teeth Whitening
If you feel as if your smile is “too far gone” for some of these tips to work, or you simply want a quick boost, there’s no better solution than professional teeth whitening. Instead of relying on store-bought kits, your dentist can provide you with custom trays that allow for a comfortable and secure fit. You won’t have to worry about an uneven whitening experience, as these trays are designed to treat every tooth, and the professional-grade bleaching gel will blast away surface and deep-down stains.
Life with a whiter smile can open many doors to new opportunities. No matter how you plan to maintain your pearly whites, make sure you’re discussing your options with your dentist so that you can embrace the benefits of a brighter, more beautiful smile.
About the Author
Dr. Joanne Bancroft has been practicing dentistry since 2003. Earning her dental degree from the State University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in 2002, she attended a General Practice Residency at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. Focusing much of her efforts on cosmetic dentistry, she and her team at J.B. Dental are equipped to provide patients with safe and effective ways to improve their appearance and boost their confidence. Want to whiten your smile? Dr. Bancroft offers teeth whitening to individuals who need help removing stains. Contact us at (720) 458-6561 to find out how we can help you!