Happy new year! It is 2021 and while the world continues to face Covid-19 challenges, we hope that your year has begun on a healthy note. We specially hope that you have added your oral health to your list of resolutions this year. To help you commit to that, we want to address one of the most common questions we get from our patients: “How do I keep my teeth white?”
For many adults, teeth lose their vibrancy throughout the years. If you are hiding your smile because your teeth have stained, we want to encourage you to consider professional teeth whitening. This is a much better option than the store-bought solutions.
More often than not, store-bought products are a one size fits all. The whitening trays for your professional teeth whitening is created specifically for your unique smile. In addition, the bleaching agents in the gel are stronger and more effective than store-bought ones and can brighten your smile faster.
Whether you choose professional teeth whitening or your teeth are naturally white at the moment, it is important to continuously care for them to keep their vibrancy. The key to having a bright smile in the long run is to be preventative in caring for your teeth. Below are five tips to ensure that your smile stays shining.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is one of the most important components of keeping your teeth healthy and shiny. Plaque buildup is possibly the main reason for tooth discoloration. Brushing and flossing regularly are the best tools available to remove bacteria from the teeth. We always recommend that you brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day.
Avoid Foods and Beverages that Stain
Some foods and drinks are naturally staining. Coffee, red wine, soda, and dark berries are part of the list of foods that can stain your teeth. We understand that fully removing these items from your menu can be a bit challenging. However, we do recommend that you try to limit how often you consume them.
It might be helpful to drink beverages that have staining qualities out of a straw to prevent them from filtering through the teeth. As well, you can limit the impact that these foods and drinks have on your teeth by brushing and flossing 30 minutes after consuming them.
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are good for your body and your oral health. Fruits and vegetables stimulate the production of saliva which naturally cleans the teeth and keep them from staining. Additionally, some fruits and vegetables can gently scrub your teeth, removing plaque from building in a similar way as brushing does. You might want to consider adding more apples, kiwis, strawberries, cauliflowers, broccoli, and carrots to your diet.
Quit Smoking
Nicotine is not only bad for your health but also for your teeth. It has the ability to severely stain the teeth deep yellow and/ or brown. This is something to consider if you are a smoker. Quitting the consumption of nicotine will go a long way when it comes to your teeth and also your overall health!
Remember Your Bi-Annual Dental Checkups and Cleanings
Teeth cleanings are crucial to maintaining good oral health and keeping your teeth white. During your bi-annual dentist appointments, plaque is removed from the teeth before staining them. This is also an opportunity to check your overall oral health and catch any upcoming issues before they escalate.
Having a bright smile is achievable if you commit to it. If your teeth are currently stained, our team here at Alluvial Dental is happy to help bring your shiny smile back with our professional teeth whitening. We are always happy to brighten smiles, so feel free to contact us!
