Not only does having healthy white teeth look good on you, but maintaining great teeth also saves you expensive dental treatment in the future. Did you know that your oral health is closely tied to your body’s entire well-being as well? Therefore, keeping your teeth beautiful is essential so you can be healthy for life.
It is true that having white teeth requires constant work. For the most of us, it is easy to let your progress fall through the cracks. Your teeth’s enamel can become stained through seemingly harmless daily activities like everybody’s favorite morning routine, ie. having a cup of coffee. Sometimes we slump in our personal care and unintentionally invite plaque and tartar to develop.
With many pitfalls lurking that can compromise your smile, it is important to know how to keep your pearly white smile for life. Read on to discover five things you can do right now to keep your teeth white.
1. Be intentional with regular home care and dentist appointments.
Having a beautiful smile requires faithfulness and consistency with daily care. By regularly cleaning your teeth at home and going to routine dental cleanings and check-ups, you will keep your teeth healthy and free from most stains.
Keeping your teeth white is important if you want to look your best. There is nothing like pearly-white teeth to make you appear more youthful and attractive!
Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. Both of these obligatory actions help clean your teeth and gums. By avoiding tartar, cavities, and tooth erosion with consistent dental care, you can keep gingivitis at bay. Gingivitis is a gum condition that can be very costly if left untreated.
You can also do periodic at-home whitening kits to help give your whitening regimen a boost. These treatment kits can be found at most drug stores and are an affordable way to keep your teeth white between dental appointments.
2. Be aware of pigmented foods and beverages.
Knowing which foods and beverages trigger stains can help you circumvent some long-term damage to your teeth. Pigmented foods like blueberries and beverages like coffee or wine can stain your teeth when consumed too frequently without cleaning your teeth afterwards.
This doesn’t mean that you have to stop enjoying your favorite beverages if they are stain triggers. Instead, be prepared and take reactive measures after your drink or snack.
For example, if you are meeting a friend for some drinks, bring a small disposable toothbrush to clean your teeth with after you are done with your coffee or glass of wine. You can also order a glass of water to accompany your drinks to wash off any remaining pigments that can stain your teeth.
3. Stop smoking.
Since smoking is linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, respiratory problems, and gum disease, it is beneficial to stop smoking for more than just your teeth. If you find that quitting is difficult, start by cutting down the frequency of smoking and be sure to brush your teeth after smoking to get rid of the tar in your mouth.
Another reason to quit smoking is that tobacco stains are the worst of all teeth stains. Tar can get into the grooves of your enamel, becoming very difficult to remove even by your dentist.
4. Use nature’s remedies.
Did you know that you can whiten your teeth with common household items? Baking soda is a natural tooth whitener that is incredibly affordable. You can brush your teeth with it to reduce some stains on your teeth and give your mouth that youthful glow.
You can also snack on foods that stimulate saliva production like apples, pears, and carrots. They are often called “nature’s toothbrushes“.
By producing more saliva, your body naturally washes away the food in your mouth and also minimizes the effect of acid on your teeth. If none of these foods are on hand, chewing gum or drinking a glass of water will help freshen your breath and keep your teeth clean.
5. Indulge in some cosmetic procedures.
Sometimes giving your teeth an occasional professional treatment gives you a good baseline white to work from. This will be highly beneficial especially if your teeth are currently heavily stained. It is good to visit your dentist and schedule a professional whitening treatment to start your teeth on a clean slate.
If your condition is beyond the help of working with your natural teeth, then porcelain veneers can be an option for you. Porcelain veneers coat your teeth, giving them an attractive shape and appearance. They are highly resistant to stains but still look like natural teeth. Getting this procedure done can give you a spectacular smile that can last you the rest of your life!
Keeping your smile white takes consistent effort and mindfulness about what you consume and how you take care of yourself. By being diligent and intentional about keeping your teeth white, you will make your smile beautiful for your entire life. If you have any questions about teeth whitening or anything else, please contact us anytime.