There are numerous teeth whitening trays products and cosmetic dental procedures available. Unfortunately, not all of these products work as advertised, and some products might not be appropriate for everyone. So, instead of relying on whitening products, dentists recommend developing daily routines and habits that can help keep those pearly whites healthy and spotless.
Proper oral hygiene can prevent the accumulation of food particles, debris, and bacteria in your mouth, which can cause permanent staining, darkening, and discoloration of your teeth. Here are some dentist-recommended tips to keep your teeth white.
Brush your teeth twice a day
The American Dental Association (ADA) advocates brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. Brushing keeps your teeth healthy, strong, and clean. It washes out harmful chemicals that eat away your teeth’s outermost layer. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and bacteria from your oral cavity.
Early morning brush
The oral cavity provides an environment conducive to bacterial growth. Microorganisms grow at night while you’re asleep. They produce a layer of chemical deposits called plaque. If not washed out, dental plaque can calcify or harden forming tartar. Not only does tartar cause unsightly discoloration, but it can also irritate your gums and lead to bad breath, gingivitis, and other gum diseases. Get rid of the plaque with an early morning gargle and brush. Make it a routine to brush your teeth first thing in the morning to remove plaque that built up overnight.
Reduce intake of teeth-staining liquids
Coffee, soda, red wine, and tea contain substances that can cause your teeth to lose their pearly white appearance. Although a cup or two won’t likely lead to permanent discoloration, frequent intake of these drinks can. Try to reduce the intake of liquid-staining beverages. Alternatively, you can use a straw to reduce the amount of liquid that comes in contact with your teeth.
Stop smoking
Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of teeth discoloration; hence eliminating tobacco can keep your teeth white. By quitting smoking, you can also prevent many tobacco-related adverse effects, such as oral cancer, gum diseases, poor healing, and altered tasting abilities. Eliminating tobacco use from your daily life can lead to a significant improvement in your overall dental health.
Regularly drink water
Frequent sips of water are recommended to prevent bacterial growth. Water flushes out debris and bacteria and neutralizes the chemicals in your mouth. It is also advisable to drink water after taking potentially staining beverages. Try alternating a sip of chocolate, coffee, soda, or tea with a drink of water.
Use teeth-whitening products
Surface stains that have accumulated over time can be difficult to remove with an ordinary toothbrush and toothpaste product. Ask your dentist for his recommended whitening toothpaste or dental products. For example, hydrogen peroxide-containing toothpaste can whiten your teeth from the inside out. Use this toothpaste twice a day to get rid of the stubborn stain. Experts at San Diego teeth whitening clinic Bajars Dental remind clients to check first with a dentist before using any whitening or bleaching products.
Floss daily
Since food particles and debris often get lodged in the spaces between teeth, plaque, tartar, and dental caries often form in these areas. They can make your teeth look dirty and discolored. Flossing daily helps remove debris that simply brushing cannot do. But while flossing and brushing can remove plaque, tartar removal requires the dentist’s help.
Eat healthy foods
Eating vegetables, fruits, protein- and calcium-rich foods, and other healthy food options can help keep your teeth white. Aside from nourishing your body with vitamins and minerals needed for healthy teeth and bones, fiber-rich foods work like natural brushes that can clean hard-to-reach corners of your teeth.
The secret to keeping your teeth white lies in the daily habits you develop. Diligently follow the tips above to avoid teeth discoloration and stains, and keep your mouth clean. Still, discolorations can recur over time, even if you have a good daily routine. So, alongside daily oral care, you should regularly visit your dental hygienist or dentist. Professional cleaning and checkup are necessary to maintain overall dental health. This can help spot early signs of discoloration, plaque, and other teeth problems; hence, measures can be done to correct the problems.
