You don’t know how it happened—one day you notice that your teeth look yellow or dull. This didn’t occur overnight, and store-bought whitening treatments barely make a difference. It doesn’t have to stay this way. You can have a brilliant smile again, and what’s more, it may not require too much effort! Here are four tips to help you achieve whiter teeth and a more radiant, confident smile.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene at Home
To handle everyday stains, you should be brushing and flossing your teeth daily. In fact, you should be brushing for at least two minutes twice per day. This enables you to remove a good portion of surface stains that you get from what you eat or drink.
Work with Your Dentist Regularly
Even if you have excellent oral hygiene, you won’t be able to get everything on your own. That’s why you need to visit your dentist at least every six months for a professional cleaning. The instruments they use are more powerful than your toothbrush, helping you achieve a whiter, refreshing clean.
In addition, at Beach Dental, we offer Kor teeth whitening treatment, which is much stronger than commercial products at the store. Whether you opt for in-office whitening or take-home kits, your dentist can brighten your smile by as much as 8 shades in a short period of time. Then, you can simply maintain your newly whitened teeth with the occasional touchup from your dentist.
Stay Away from Staining Foods and Drinks
One of the major culprits behind tooth discoloration is what you eat or drink. Other than the obvious coffee, soda, or wine, darkly colored foods like berries, tomato sauce, and soy sauce also can stain teeth. Try to be more aware of the foods and drinks you have throughout the day. If you do partake of something that could stain your teeth, try to mitigate the stains, such as by using a straw while drinking soda. It’s also a good idea to drink plenty of water to rinse your mouth and to help clear out staining substances from your teeth.
Strengthen Your Enamel
Sometimes, you can’t necessarily avoid foods or drinks that stain your teeth. However, you can give your enamel a boost. The fluoride in your toothpaste and most drinking water reinforces your enamel and protects not only against decay but also against discoloration. Also, you can choose calcium-rich foods, such as cheese or yogurt, which can strengthen your teeth as well.
Keeping your teeth bright and white is something to work on every day, but you don’t have to do it alone. Working together, you and your dentist, you can retain that brilliant shine and love what you see in the mirror!
About the Practice
At Beach Dental, we make every dental visit, whether routine or complex, as enjoyable as possible. Dr. Alexis Gersten and Dr. Jason Parli focus on each patient’s individual needs and goals and proudly offer either take-home whitening kits or in-office treatment for those who want whiter teeth. To learn more about these treatment options, you can schedule a consultation at Beach Dental online or by contacting our office at 631-325-0731.