There’s a reason we refer to teeth as “pearly whites”. Beautiful, healthy teeth are not only supposed to be bright, but are supposed to be luminous. There are a number of ways to keep your teeth as bright and white as possible, from laser teeth whitening to simply avoiding foods and drinks that have the capacity to stain or discolor teeth. We’ve put together a few tips for you to help you keep your teeth as bright and as white as can be.
Keep Your Teeth Bright and White:
- Avoid certain foods and drinks – There are certain foods and drinks that have the ability to slowly discolor your teeth over time, especially if you consume them on a regular basis. Some of the biggest culprits are coffee and tea, which many adults drink on a daily basis. Other offenders include red wine, blueberries and even soda, which can harm the natural brightness of the teeth due to the acid that bathes the enamel when you drink it.
- Don’t smoke – Smoking is bad for your health in so many ways and it is also bad for the overall beauty of your teeth. There’s virtually no bigger culprit in yellowed, discolored teeth than nicotine and the other ingredients that cover the enamel of your teeth when you smoke. So kick the habit to stop the progressive discoloration of your teeth that can occur, if for no other reason.
- Daily oral hygiene – Of course, in order for your teeth to stay bright and white, it’s important for them to be clean and healthy. Therefore, one of the best things you can do for your teeth is to stick to a daily regimen that includes brushing your teeth at least twice per day and flossing at least daily. It’s also recommended that if you can’t brush your teeth after a meal or especially after consuming sticky foods or those that have the potential to stain, that you give your mouth a few good swishes with water to try to remove any particles or acids that can be left on the teeth when you are done eating or drinking.
- Whitening toothpastes, mouthwashes and strips – There are a multitude of products available today that claim to whiten and brighten your teeth right at home. While some do provide a level of whitening power, none of them will give you the kind of drastic results you can achieve in a dentist’s office with a laser teeth whitening treatment or a professional tooth whitening kit. If you only need slight whitening or want to keep up with whiter teeth, however, you may want to opt for whitening toothpaste or mouthwashes. Beware that some people may be sensitive to the ingredients in these products when used on a regular basis. Over the counter whitening strips will provide more whitening power, but have to be worn each day over a period of time and only have the ability to improve the shades of teeth slightly more than the toothpastes and mouthwashes.
- Professional whitening treatments – If your teeth are discolored or you really want to see a difference in the brightness and whiteness of your teeth, then professional treatments are the way to go. You can obtain a teeth whitening kit from your dentist that will have stronger ingredients than anything you can buy over the counter and will therefore have more effective results. For the quickest and most effective results, laser teeth whitening treatments are the way to go. They are a pricier option but will provide the most dramatic results with the most convenience.
For more information about teeth whitening options, including laser teeth whitening treatments, contact Park Dental Care in Astoria, Queens at 718-274-1515.
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