05 Apr

Top 5 Tips to Keep Your Teeth White

Good oral hygiene and bright, white teeth are what make up an award-winning smile. Whether you’ve had your teeth professionally whitened or have tried a teeth whitening treatment at home, whitened teeth can start to fade if not cared for properly. Follow these tips on how to keep your teeth white and your smile healthy:

1. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day

Following a regular oral hygiene routine will keep your teeth white and benefit your overall oral health. Make sure to brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day and to floss daily. You can also use a whitening toothpaste, but make sure it contains fluoride. This will keep your teeth white, protected, and clean.

2. Visit Your Dentist for Regular Teeth Cleanings

Even if you practice perfect oral hygiene, it’s important to see your dentist regularly for professional teeth cleanings. Oral hygienists remove stain-causing plaque and tartar buildup that can’t be eliminated by brushing and flossing. Plaque and tartar buildup leads to cavities and more severe oral issues when not treated. This means teeth cleanings are a good opportunity to catch any signs of tooth decay before they can get worse. Keep your teeth white and your mouth healthy by scheduling regular appointments with your dentist. 

3. Avoid Teeth-Staining Foods and Beverages

Dark foods, such as beets, blueberries, and blackberries, have a rich, natural color that can stain your teeth over time and should be avoided. Drinking water while eating these foods can cut down on their staining effects. You can also try eating these fruits with apples, celery, or carrots. These fruits and vegetables act as nature’s toothbrushes and can remove stains naturally by removing some of the plaque stuck between your teeth. They also increase your mouth’s saliva production, which washes away food particles left in your mouth. 

Another way to keep your teeth white is by avoiding dark beverages like coffee, tea, and wine that will stain your teeth. If total avoidance of these popular beverages is out of the question for you, try consuming them less often. Swishing with water immediately after and brushing your teeth 30 minutes after consumption is another way you can enjoy your favorites while minimizing stains on your teeth. 

4. Drink Through a Straw

You can also keep your teeth white and reduce the risk of discoloration by drinking teeth-staining drinks through a straw. Keep in mind that your teeth will still be exposed to the liquid and susceptible to staining, but they will be less vulnerable than if you skipped the straw.

5. Eliminate Tobacco Use

Not only can tobacco products significantly stain your teeth, but they also put you at risk of developing an oral disease, like oral cancer or gum disease. If you smoke regularly, consider scheduling touch-up whitening treatments with your dentist. Eliminating tobacco altogether will give you a healthier mouth and make it easier to keep your teeth white. 

Teeth Whitening in Gilbert

Are you interested in whitening your teeth or getting a touch-up? We want to help give you a bright, healthy smile. Call Lifetime Family Dental to schedule a teeth whitening appointment today.

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (4/5/2021). Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay