Are you self conscious of your smile? One reason, among others, could be due to visibly stained or discolored teeth. Perhaps you have noticed in the mirror that your teeth are no longer a pearly white color. If you are considering teeth whitening, use the following tips as a guideline to help you achieve that bright smile.
Floss regularly:
Yes, having a beautiful smile requires flossing every day. You should floss diligently each time you brush your teeth. Your tooth brush alone might not be able to effectively clean the hard to reach areas in your mouth. Flossing removes any food particles that may have been trapped in between the teeth or under the gums. Without daily flossing, those food particles will cause your teeth to appear stained or discolored. If you are not someone who flosses regularly, you will probably benefit from using an electric toothbrush, such as the Rotadent.
Watch your diet:
As you grow older, you tend to rely on drinking caffeinated drinks, such as coffee or soda, to keep you alert and energized. After a certain period of time, these drinks can cause your teeth to stain to the degree where you will not recognize your teeth. While it may be challenging, try to avoid over-indulging in sweets or other drinks, such as red wine, tea, and dark juices, as they will also leave their mark on your teeth. Essentially, all foods have the potential to discolor your teeth, so it’s important to maintain proper oral hygiene in order to avoid stains. If your teeth appear to have a distinct yellow color, it is time to consult your dentist for professional teeth whitening advice.
Quit smoking:
If it is not already obvious, smoking is harmful to both your teeth and your overall health. One of many negative health effects is that frequent smoking will cause your teeth to turn yellow. You can brush, floss, and use mouthwash twice a day, but it will not make much of a difference to your discolored teeth caused by smoking. It is best to seek out professional dental care because there are only a few procedures available to treat the stained teeth of a serious smoker. If you want a white smile, the best option is to completely quit smoking.
Use these tips mentioned above to guide you towards a white smile. If you are serious about having healthy teeth and gums, a plan of action is necessary to avoid any additional dental or health problems.
Nadia Heidari, MS
