Tips for Whiter Teeth

Whitening your teeth can improve your self-esteem and raise your confidence. If you whiten your teeth, you will want to keep your teeth as bright and white as possible. 

Dental care and whitening teeth. Compare smile before and after bleaching. Cosmetic dentistry dentist in Westborough Massachusetts

Dental care and whitening teeth. Compare smile before and after bleaching.

Good Oral Health

One of the most efficient ways to keep your teeth their brightest is to have a thorough oral health routine. If you can prevent plaque from building on the surfaces of your teeth, you can keep your teeth whiter longer. Plaque is a form of bacteria that clings to your teeth and soft tissues. Without proper removal, plaque can cause many problems:

  • bad breath
  • teeth discoloration
  • tooth decay
  • gum disease
  • missing teeth

If you brush your teeth twice a day, you can minimize the amount of plaque on your teeth. In addition, you should floss your teeth once a day. This will allow you to remove plaque from between your teeth and underneath your gum line. Not only will this brighten your teeth, but this will also keep them healthy. Plaque buildup between your teeth can cause cavities, darkening your smile. 

Avoid Staining Foods

Many of our favorite foods and drinks can dim our smiles. So, you may want to avoid certain foods to keep your teeth shining brightly. 

For many, coffee is the most important ways to start their morning. While it is essential, it is also a large contributor to yellowing your teeth. Coffee is a dark liquid, but it has other properties that give it staining power. Coffee contains tannins, which weaken the enamel on your teeth. It allows the stains to move farther in the layers of your teeth. Rather than simply staining the surface of your teeth, the tannins make it possible for the stains to sink far underneath your enamel. This makes it more difficult to remove the stains. 

Another common drink that can dim your smile is red wine. Much like coffee, wine also contains tannins. Its color and acidic qualities can ruin the whiteness of your teeth. Additionally, dark-colored berries work in a similar way. The acid and the dark colors leave behind stains. 

If it can stain your clothes, it can stain your teeth. This doesn’t mean that you should avoid these foods entirely. However, you should be aware of their staining qualities. Perhaps, you should limit your intake. 

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Regular dental appointments can help to keep your teeth brighter for longer. When you visit your dentist twice a year, you will get a full examination and cleaning. An examination will allow your dentist to see if you have any dental problems that could cause significant issues, such as tooth decay.

Additionally, your dental team will clean your teeth. When you get a dental cleaning, your hygienist will remove all remaining plaque from the surfaces of your teeth. While they clean your teeth, they will use a gritty paste that will polish your teeth. This will help remove many surface stains and keep your teeth bright.