It’s common for beauty ideals to come and go, but one that has stood the test of time is teeth whitening. Discoloration is just a natural part of life, and there is a myriad of ways to tackle the issue. If you’re on the hunt for some simple solutions to achieve a brighter, whiter smile, look no further. Here are a few easy tips to help!
Maintain proper hygiene.
Good dental habits can go a long way in making sure your teeth are resisting stains. Brushing twice daily and flossing regularly are crucial to maintaining good dental hygiene. You should also replace your toothbrush every three months so that your bristles aren’t becoming worn down. Having a fresh toothbrush and flossing those hard-to-reach areas will help prevent stains between the teeth.
Limit added sugar and acidic foods.
In addition to the more obvious culprits, having a diet full of added sugar and acidic foods could be doing you a disservice when it comes to the color of your teeth. Acidic foods – such as berries, tomatoes, and oranges – can erode tooth enamel, making it easier for teeth to stain. In addition, foods high in sugar can interact with the naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth and produce acid, which again, can cause you to lose enamel and allow your teeth to yellow.
Avoid foods and drinks that stain.
We know. This one isn’t much fun, but if you’re looking to make a big impact on stained teeth, the best way is to avoid the foods and beverages that caused the staining in the first place. While not everyone’s teeth are discolored due to their diets, for many people it’s a leading cause. Common offenders are coffee, red wine, cola, tea, fruit juice, berries, tomato or soy sauce, curry, and balsamic vinegar. If eliminating these items is out of the question, try limiting them, rinsing your mouth with water after consuming, or using a straw for liquids.
Consider whitening products.
If you’re looking for a faster approach, there is no shortage of whitening products and services on the market. The safest solution is any service that is provided by your dentist, and these procedures typically mean access to higher prescription or more concentrated products. In addition, teeth whitening kits, strips, and toothpastes can all be purchased over the counter, and laser teeth whitening can also help remove staining. Experts suggest that your whitening toothpaste contains at least 1350 ppm (parts per million) of fluoride to make sure levels are sufficient enough to prevent tooth decay.
Pick your colors carefully.
Another less obvious way to make your teeth appear whiter is to consider the colors you’re wearing in your clothes and makeup. In general, the whiter your clothing is, the less white your teeth will appear by comparison, so choosing off-white shades will work wonders. When it comes to lipsticks, opt for colors that have a blue undertone – not yellow – as a way to make your smile appear whiter.
