A bright smile is a sign of good health. However, keeping a white smile requires more than just brushing and flossing.
Several DIY methods for whitening teeth have been gaining popularity. Although these methods might work temporarily, they can also damage your teeth. To avoid this, follow these 7 tips to keep your smile bright!
1. Brush Your Teeth Often
It may seem obvious, but brushing your teeth often is the easiest thing you can do to keep your smile bright. It also helps you avoid tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. Brushing removes food particles trapped on or between your teeth that a bacteria-laden biofilm called plaque clings to. Bacteria in the biofilm produce acids that erode outer tooth enamel, leaving your smile vulnerable to staining and cavities.
A good rule of thumb is to brush your teeth in the morning and again before bed, making sure to brush all surfaces of each tooth. When brushing, make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride. It’s also a good idea to brush for two minutes each time. If you struggle to stick with your brushing routine, try using a timer or listening to music to help you stay on track.
It’s also helpful to cut back on beverages that can stain your teeth, such as coffee, soda, black tea, red wine and fruit juice. If you are going to drink these beverages, try to rinse with water afterward to remove any remaining pigments. A straw can help you keep potentially discoloring drinks away from your teeth as well.
2. Eat a Healthy Diet
A bright smile lights up a room, but it takes more than just good hygiene to keep your teeth white and healthy. Eating a balanced diet full of foods that promote dental health is essential to a beautiful smile.
Leafy greens are a great source of vitamins and minerals that help protect your gums, bones and teeth. They also contain folic acid, which helps prevent tooth decay. Try adding spinach, kale and other dark greens to your meals or snacks.
Fruits like strawberries are rich in malic acid, which produces a natural brightening effect on your teeth. Other fruits like cherries, peaches and bananas have similar effects. Apples also encourage the production of saliva, which helps fend off plaque and bad breath.
Foods that are rich in calcium, phosphorus and protein help prevent tooth erosion and promote strong teeth. Dairy products are a good choice, such as yogurt and cheese. Lean proteins like fish, chicken and tofu are also good choices.
Drinking water keeps you hydrated and washes away harmful sugars, bacteria and other debris that can stain teeth. Stick with flat water, rather than carbonated beverages, which can increase the acidity of your mouth and erode enamel.
3. Avoid Tooth Decay
Tooth decay begins when bacteria in your mouth convert sugars from foods and drinks into acids. These acids eat away at the hard outer coating of your teeth (enamel). As they erode, tiny holes (called cavities) form. This damage is reversible in the early stages, but untreated tooth decay eventually leads to pain and other serious problems.
Tooth decay typically starts in the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (molars). These teeth have more grooves, pits and crannies than your front teeth and can trap food particles. Brushing and rinsing with fluoride helps protect these teeth, as does using a floss or interdental cleaner that removes trapped food. Your dentist can also apply dental sealants, which are thin plastic coatings that cover the chewing surfaces of your back teeth.
Another way to prevent tooth decay is to limit how much you snack between meals. This can give the bacteria in your mouth more sugars to convert into acids. If you do eat between meals, try to choose healthy options like fresh fruits and vegetables or low-fat yogurt.
4. Get Regular Cleanings
With summer coming, it’s important to remember to keep up with your dental hygiene. This means getting regular cleanings to remove plaque, tartar and stains. It is also important to avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth. By doing this, you can help ensure that your smile stays bright and that any whitening treatments that you have done will last longer. In addition, you should also try to drink through a straw whenever possible so that you can avoid discoloration on the surfaces of your teeth. If you ever need to align your teeth perfectly for your comfort and confidence, you can consult Palmetto Kids Dentistry to know if you are eligible for the Invisalign Clear Aligner System. This Invisalign is a good option, especially for kids.
5. See Your Dentist for Checkups
Your smile isn’t just about your pearly whites – it’s also an indicator of your overall health. That’s why it’s important to keep your teeth healthy by following proper oral hygiene practices at home and seeing your dentist for regular checkups.
During your dental checkup, the dentist can thoroughly examine your mouth and identify any potential problems before they become more serious. In addition, the dentist can clean your teeth professionally to remove plaque and bacteria that your toothbrush may have missed.
Aside from visiting your dentist, there are several other things you can do to keep your smile bright and healthy. These include:
Proper Brushing and Flossing Techniques
Eating a Balanced Diet
Avoiding Sugary Drinks and Foods
Using Whitening Products
By following these simple tips, you can maintain a beautiful smile for years to come. So, don’t wait any longer – take the first step toward a brighter smile today! Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Avoid sugary drinks and foods, and eat more water. Use whitening toothpaste and mouthwashes to help prevent tooth discoloration, and visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings.
6. Avoid Tobacco
Cigarettes, snuff, chewing tobacco, and other forms of nicotine can leave stubborn yellow or brown stains on your teeth. These stains can prevent teeth whitening treatments from working effectively. To avoid them, quit smoking and stop using other forms of tobacco.
It can be difficult to give up cigarettes and other tobacco products. Try to find other ways to deal with stress, anger, boredom, or other negative feelings that often lead to smoking. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, calming music, yoga stretches, a warm bath, or other relaxation activities may help. Also, try to stick to nonsmoking friends and hang out in places where smoking is not allowed.
If you normally smoke when drinking, switch to tea or limit alcohol. If you tend to smoke after meals, try going for a walk, texting a friend, or chewing gum instead. Get rid of any ashtrays and lighters in your house, and wash or dry-clean your clothes that smell like smoke. You can also use air fresheners to help get rid of the scent of smoke. It will be much easier to quit when you have less temptation around. Lastly, if you usually smoke during breaks at work, make sure to spend your breaks with nonsmokers or go outside.
7. Whiten Your Teeth at Home
Having a bright smile is an important part of creating a positive first impression. If your teeth are dull or discolored, it can make you feel less confident and have a negative impact on your life. Luckily, there are many treatments available to help you get the white smile you want.
The most common way to brighten your smile is with professional whitening. The procedure removes surface stains from the tooth enamel. This is often done by a dental hygienist. The results from this treatment are usually long-lasting. However, it is important to follow up with regular brushing and visits to your dentist for semiannual cleanings and checkups.
Some people are also able to achieve brighter teeth at home using certain natural methods. One popular method is to mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a paste and then brush it onto your teeth. The baking soda acts as a mild abrasive, while the hydrogen peroxide bleaches away the stains. Another natural whitening option is to use powdered milk. This is a very effective ingredient for whitening your teeth and will help keep them clean as well.
Other natural whitening options include eating strawberries and broccoli. Both of these foods contain enzymes that work like a natural bleach, helping to lighten your teeth. You can also try oil pulling, which is a practice that involves swishing oil around in your mouth for about 20 minutes a few times a day.
