The purpose of teeth may be for chewing but they’re appearance can often make a lasting impression. After all, who doesn’t want a bright, white smile? Whiter teeth can enhance your smile making you feel more confident. They can also improve your overall appearance and can make you look younger.
Here are 5 tips to keep your teeth looking healthy and white, naturally:
Red wine, black tea, coffee, dark sodas, juices, and sports drinks are among the culprits that stain teeth. Consider taking a break from these if you really want a whiter smile. Not only do sodas and juices cause serious stains over time, they also contain lots of sugar that cause plaque to buildup, which eventually leads to cavities. Sports and energy drinks can also cause the enamel to erode, which is why drinking water is best to rehydrate. Generally, if a food or drink can stain your white carpet, it can probably stain your teeth.
If you absolutely can’t avoid these drinks then be sure to brush right after (or at least rinse with water for 30 seconds)! If you are unable to brush, eating fruits can help counteract the effects of stains as the saliva produced from eating raw fruits and veggies such as carrots and celery acts like a cleaning agent that removes surface stains, bacteria and plaque. There’s a reason why apples are often referred to as nature’s toothbrush!
Avoiding such beverages at all costs seems almost impossible, but using a straw can help to keep them from making contact with your teeth. Avoid sugar as much as possible in addition to sticky foods that increase your risk of tooth decay which can lead to discolouration.
Using toothpaste that contains a whitening agent or baking soda can help to remove surface stains and whiten teeth. Swapping out regular toothpaste with whitening toothpaste is one of the more popular ways of achieving a whiter smile and can be effective if you have minor stains. These toothpastes contain abrasive substances that that scrub away stains while your brush.
Dairy products such as cheese and yogurt are not only good for your bones, but they’re also good for your teeth! They are the primary source of calcium and contain minerals such as calcium and phosphorus that help to fight off cavities, strengthen and repair tooth enamel. In fact, some harder cheeses can actually eliminate food particles that cause stains. Eat more cheese and you’ll start saying cheese with a whiter smile when it comes time for pictures.
Not only is smoking bad for your overall health, but it’s also bad for your oral health. You can often tell if someone is a smoker just by looking at his or her teeth. Smoking causes bad breath, tooth discolouration, increased plaque and tarter build up, and can even lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
Having routine dental cleanings will help to keep your teeth healthy and white. Your dentist can clean your teeth more effectively than your toothbrush at home, getting off any stubborn plaque. They will also be able to look at the health of your mouth and check for cavities and gingivitis. Remember, a whiter smile doesn’t necessarily mean a healthy one, but your dentist can tell you how to keep both your mouth healthy and your teeth white!
At Oakville Place Dental Office we offer a range of oral health services to our Oakville patients, from routine check-ups and regular dental cleanings to more comprehensive care such as fillings, wisdom teeth removal, cosmetic care, and root canals. Healthy teeth and gums not only help you maintain a beautiful smile, they also contribute to your overall health by preventing infection and reducing the incidence of oral decay. We also offer teeth bleaching which goes beyond teeth whitening to brighten teeth beyond their natural colour as well as professional teeth bleaching kits to take home. If you would like to learn more about how you can achieve a brighter, whiter smile, contact us today!
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