Nothing leaves a great first impression like a stunningly white smile. Luckily, maintaining your beautiful white teeth is easier than you might think. Just follow these five simple steps to get the smile you’ve always wanted.
1. Floss regularly.
Keeping up a solid dental hygiene routine is a surefire way to keep your teeth looking white and beautiful! Flossing, in particular, is critical for this as it helps to prevent tooth decay and gingivitis, which can cause a yellowing effect on the teeth. We also recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice per day, as well as after meals. You can also use antibacterial mouthwash to protect your teeth from unpleasant decay.
2. Skip the sweets.
Avoiding certain stain-causing foods can really help to keep your teeth sparkling white. For starters, you should try to avoid sugary sweets and sodas. This is because the bacteria in plaque feasts on the sugars in your foods, causing them to release harmful acids on your dental enamel that can decay and stain your teeth. You might also consider avoiding highly acidic foods and beverages, such as coffee, soy sauce, curry, tomato sauce, and even citrus fruits. Should you choose to indulge in sweets every now and again, though, just be sure to brush your teeth afterwards!
3. Try adding carrots to your next meal.
Fibrous fruits and vegetables—such as carrots, apples, pears, and celery—actually improve the appearance of your smile! This is because these crunchy vegetables actually scrub the surface of your teeth as you chew, so they almost act as a toothbrush when you eat them. They also work to boost your saliva production, which helps to combat halitosis and the effects of tooth decay. While these fruits and vegetables could never replace your brushing routine, they certainly help to keep your teeth looking great.
4. Avoid tobacco products.
Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco can be particularly damaging to the appearance of your smile. For starters, the tar in these products leaves a blackish stain on your teeth that gets stuck in the nooks and crannies of your dental enamel. Nicotine, while initially colorless, gradually becomes yellow on your teeth once it has been exposed to oxygen. Also, tobacco products lower your immune system and increase the production of plaque, making gingivitis and tooth decay much more likely. Therefore, if you’d like to improve the appearance of your smile, quitting smoking is a great place to start!
5. Schedule your next dental appointment.
One of the best things you can do for your smile is to schedule a professional cleaning at the dentist. We’ll remove the plaque and tartar buildup from the surface of your teeth, and remedy oral health issues like tooth decay and gingivitis that could be staining your teeth. After your appointment, your smile will feel good as new!
To book your next professional teeth cleaning, contact Advanced Family Dental and Orthodontics today!