4 Effective Tips to Keep Your Smile White

Your teeth are one of the first things people notice. Having great teeth is very important in today's culture. Beautiful teeth are a sign of health as well as confidence. When making a first impression, many worry about having aged, crooked or discolored teeth, which can be misinterpreted that you don’t really care about yourself. Who doesn’t want to have a beautiful smile with white, sparkling teeth? But what’s the best way maintain white teeth?

Follow these guidelines and you will surely want to show others your new improved smile

1. Avoid habits that cause tooth discoloration. Proper oral hygiene is indispensable for maintaining a bright smile. Another bit of important advice is to watch what you eat and drink because certain foods and beverages can discolor teeth. If you want to protect your pearly whites, avoid foods that can stain your teeth. You may already know that coffee, tea, and sodas can stain teeth but may not realize that foods such as dark-colored berries, curry, and balsamic vinegar will as well. One important key is to not let these items linger in your mouth for long and drink water to combat their staining effects. Finish eating with a glass of milk or a serving of hard cheese, both of which neutralize acid and strengthen teeth.

2. Brush Well, Often, and Gently. Regular plaque removal is key to avoiding the buildup of ugly stains. Try to brush a minimum of three times per day for two minutes at a time. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothbrush to avoid damaging restorations. Don’t scrub too hard or you can abrade enamel and irritate gums. Some individuals claim using abrasives such as baking soda or charcoal will aid in whitening teeth. Although these substances may whiten teeth, they can cause damage to your enamel because of their extreme abrasiveness.

3. Do Touch Ups. You can maintain a bright tooth color with at-home whitening kits. As your teeth stain and darken it's wise to periodically whiten them. Often times, it only takes a handful of applications to return to their former glory. At home whitening kits contain much more effective whitening solution than over-the-counter brands and are an extremely cost-effective solution.

4. Visit Dr. Leppo for Checkups. Keeping your smile bright doesn’t require any expensive or complicated trade secrets. A simple routine of regular dental visits will ensure that you don’t have any more major smile issues sneaking up on you.

Schedule regular visits with Columbia Dental Center and our team will help you keep your smile beautiful for life!