05 Aug Five Tips to Whiten Your Smile
Even if you have really good oral hygiene habits, over time, your teeth can start to turn yellow. While this is frustrating, it’s a very common problem, so don’t feel like you’re alone! Yellowing happens as we age because of factors like diet, smoking, genetics, medications, and enamel wear.
Consulting a dentist for personalized advice and treatment options, such as professional whitening or cosmetic procedures, can address yellowing and restore a brighter smile. At Sun Lakes Dentistry, we want to keep you informed on the best ways to care for your teeth. Here are five tips to whiten your smile while keeping it healthy and bright!
Five Tips to Whiten Your Smile
1: Brush your tongue.
Did you know brushing your tongue should be included in your daily oral care routine? If you skip this step, bacteria and food particles will begin to accumulate between your taste buds. Yes, this of course leads to bad breath, but it also increases the risk of plaque formation, dulling the color of your smile. An unhealthy (white-looking) tongue can even diminish your sense of taste and potentially spread oral infections.
This new habit of cleaning your tongue will help brighten your smile because fewer particles and bacteria are left in your mouth, which darken the enamel. To get started, choose a method that works best for you. Some people prefer a tongue scraper, while most will simply use their toothbrush. Using mouthwash every day will help keep your tongue clean as well.
2: Phase out tobacco
Cigarette users report stains at a higher rate than non-smokers and experience enamel discoloration that is yellow or brown. Tar in cigarettes is the main culprit for this effect. Chewing tobacco will stain your teeth faster than smoking, and some have found that even e-vape can discolor teeth. While we recognize this can be difficult, the best thing for your oral health is to avoid tobacco/nicotine products altogether.
3: Avoid abrasive at-home remedies like baking soda.
Many people think that baking soda is a safe alternative to regular toothpaste. However, it can do more harm than good because it is abrasive. When used excessively or with too much pressure, it can damage tooth enamel. Its gritty texture can wear down the surface of your teeth over time, leading to increased sensitivity. Worn enamel also leaves your teeth vulnerable to decay. While the occasional use of baking soda toothpaste is generally safe, frequent or vigorous scrubbing is not recommended by dentists.
4: Eat apples and other foods to boost your oral health.
Apples are delicious, crunchy fruits. They are great as snacks on their own or sliced and tossed into a salad. Adding them to your diet, especially after drinking coffee or eating processed foods, can help clean your teeth and keep them white. Because apples are fibrous, when we bite into them, they naturally scrub our teeth.
Plus, apples’ high malic acid content makes our mouths water, and extra saliva moves bacteria away from the teeth. Vitamin C is another natural benefit of apples. It’s important for gum health because it strengthens blood vessels and reduces inflammation, helping to prevent gum disease.
5: See a dentist for professional whitening treatments.
While the tips above are wonderful for maintaining a bright smile, whitening at home can only go so far. If you want dramatic results, seeing a dentist for help is best. Professional teeth whitening is the safest, longest-lasting solution! Our quick, non-invasive treatments are far more effective than over-the-counter whitening treatments. So, if you want a brighter smile in time for that summer vacation or wedding photo, make an appointment today!
Whiten Your Teeth in Sun Lakes, Arizona
If you’ve tried all the safe at-home teeth whitening methods and these tips to whiten your smile and still want a brighter smile, visit Dr. Saba and Dr. Chiappetti Dental Associates. We can help you get the bright white smile you desire. At Sun Lakes Dentistry, we offer professional teeth whitening treatments that correct the discoloration caused by aging, staining, and habits like smoking or vaping.
Our at-home whitening treatments use custom trays with professional-strength whitening gel, typically worn twice a day for 30 minutes at a time for several weeks. For professional teeth whitening in Sun Lakes, Arizona, visit us for a consultation, and our dentists will help you decide if this treatment is right for you.
Photo by Unknown from Picryl on 6.7.2024 | used under creative commons license