Everyone wants beautiful white teeth. While we don’t always have control over the color of our teeth, there are steps that we can take to avoid discoloration. Just as with every aspect of your health, there are small choices that you can make every day to help keep your teeth beautiful.
Brush twice a day and floss at least once a day
Good daily oral health habits are essential to keeping your teeth beautiful. Not only will brushing twice daily and regular flossing keep your teeth healthy, but it will also help keep your teeth white.
Believe it or not, you can over-brush your teeth. Over-brushing can actually wear down your tooth enamel, revealing the yellow dentin beneath it, rendering your teeth more sensitive, and causing receding gums. Talk to your dentist if you think you’re brushing your teeth too hard.
Take stock of your home-care products.
- Mouthwash: Blue and purple mouthwashes can contribute to discoloration.
- Whitening toothpaste: If you are using a whitening toothpaste, it is important to remember that they are abrasive, which means that you need to be extra careful to not over-brush your teeth. This is not to say that you shouldn’t use them. It’s just to say that you need to be careful.
- Your toothbrush: Use soft-bristled tooth brushes, especially if you brush your teeth with a whitening toothpaste or brush harder than necessary. A soft-bristled brush will help protect your tooth enamel and your gums.
Avoid things that can stain your teeth
What you eat has a direct impact on your health—and the color of your teeth. Coffee, tea, red wine, and the like can all contribute to staining because the pigments can actually stick to your teeth. To avoid discoloration, you should always brush your teeth or rinse with water immediately after consumption.
Eat foods that promote the production of saliva
Apples, celery, carrots, and sugarless gum can help promote saliva production. Saliva neutralizes the acid that can cause bacteria and help you avoid tooth decay.
Brush your teeth after meals and snacks, especially dark berries and beets
While foods like raspberries, blackberries, and beets are really good for your health, they aren’t so good for the color of your teeth. After eating these foods, brush your teeth or rinse with water to help get some of the color off your teeth before it stains.
Avoid energy and sport’s drinks
Long-term use can erode tooth enamel. Energy drinks are very acidic, and soaking your teeth in an acidic liquid has substantial consequences; namely, acid breaks down tooth enamel. Saliva is generally considered to have a neutral pH, but energy drinks can make it much more acidic. If possible, skip the energy drink and reach for water instead.
Regular dental visits
This is one of the best ways to protect your teeth and keep them looking white. Professional dental cleanings will not only help protect the long-term health of your teeth, but it will also help keep your teeth looking beautifully white.
Preventing tooth staining and discoloration before it happens is the best way to treat it. These are just some simple steps that you can take every day to help keep your smile beautiful.
If you have more questions about how to keep your teeth beautiful and healthy, call our office to schedule your appointment!
The information in this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You should always speak with your dental provider about any concerns you have.