5 Tips For Whiter Teeth
Most people desire a bright white smile, but keeping teeth white can be a challenge. A number of things, such as aging, smoking, or consuming certain foods and drinks, can lead to discolored teeth. Use the following tips to get your teeth white, and keep them that way:
Invest in a Professional Whitening Treatment
There are numerous teeth whitening kits sold over the counter, but for the best results it is worth investing in a professional teeth whitening treatment. Many dentists are now offering whitening treatments, so ask yours if he offers this procedure. The whitening agents that dentists use are stronger than the whitening agents that can be bought in the store, so your teeth can end up several shades whiter. Dentists often use special lights or lasers to accelerate the whitening process, giving you a brighter smile in just one office visit.
Drink Through a Straw
Popular beverages such as tea, coffee, dark colored soda, and red wine are known for staining teeth. Your best bet is to try to avoid these drinks, but if you can't live without a morning cup of coffee or ice tea at lunch time, try drinking through a straw. When you drink through a straw, your teeth do not come in contact with the liquid so you don't have to worry about staining.
Watch What You Eat
There are also a number of foods that can cause discoloration to teeth. These include blueberries, ketchup, tomato sauce, soy sauce, and citrus fruits, just to name a few. Foods can either stain teeth due to their strong color, or because they are very acidic. You don't have to give up eating your favorite foods because they may stain your teeth, but it is a good idea to brush your teeth as soon as possible after consuming them. If brushing is not possible, at least rinse your mouth with water to prevent staining.
Kick the Smoking Habit
Smoking wreaks havoc on the color of your teeth, so if you're serious about getting a brighter smile it is important to quit smoking. In addition to whiter teeth, you will enjoy a number of health benefits after saying goodbye to cigarettes for good.
Brush Your Teeth Properly
Brushing your teeth is essential for good oral health, but if you brush too hard you can actually damage the enamel on your teeth, which can lead to discoloration. Using a soft bristle brush and a whitening toothpaste, brush your teeth in a circular motion. Don't forget to brush your tongue too, in order to remove bacteria that can leave your teeth looking dull and discolored.
For more information, contact a local dentist at a clinic like Ahwatukee Foothills Dental.
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