Tips for Keeping Your Teeth White
Having a bright smile can be a major confidence boost. However, getting or maintaining that bright smile isn’t always easy. Here are a few tips for keeping your teeth white that will help you look and feel your best!
Stick to the basics
You’ve heard it time after time, but brushing and flossing daily are two of the most important things you can do to keep your teeth white. Brushing removes plaque and stains, and flossing cleans between your teeth to prevent cavities. Getting a professional cleaning every six months is also important to keep your teeth clean and bright.
Watch what you eat (and drink)
The whiteness of your teeth depends on many factors. Some of them are outside your control, such as genetics. However, one factor you can control is diet. Some foods and drinks stain teeth, but others actually help teeth stay cleaner and whiter!
Food/drinks that promote healthier teeth:
Water
Broccoli
Apples
Cheese
Milk/yogurt
Raisins
Seeds and nuts
Common food/drinks that stain teeth:
Wine
Coffee
Tea
Berries
Dark sauces (soy, tomato, etc.)
Candy
Soda/sports drinks
If you love one or more of the items in the “stain” category, don’t worry—you can still consume them. Just be sure to give your teeth a quick brush afterward!
Whitening treatments
If you’re not getting the results you want with at-home solutions, over-the-counter whitening systems are another option to consider. There are lots of teeth-whitening products available, including toothpastes, gels, strips, and rinses. Most of these products use hydrogen peroxide or bleach as a whitening agent.
If you go this route, be sure to research products carefully to make sure they’re safe. If you have questions about the safety or effectiveness of an over-the-counter method, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist.
In-office whitening treatments are also an option. They are the most expensive, but also the most effective.
If you have any further questions about teeth whitening, don’t hesitate to contact us! Stop by our office today, or give us a call at (801) 334-9444.