If you have whiter natural teeth, you may realize a few benefits, including a boost in your self-confidence, enhanced appearance, and less focus by others on aging signs such as wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, and frown lines. For instance, a whiter smile boosts your self-confidence since you will want to smile to expose your sparkly, vibrant teeth when you are on a date, at work, or walking. One of the services you may get from a specialist in Family Dentistry of West Chester is professional teeth cleaning if they are discolored and appear unsightly. Your dentist may also recommend tips that can assist you in maintaining whiter, brighter teeth.
Below are the main solutions that can help you keep your teeth whiter and your smile brighter.
- Brush teeth regularly
Regular brushing and flossing are essential for reducing or eliminating the buildup of plaque and harmful microbes in your mouth. Plaque formation encourages the accumulation of dangerous bacteria, which consume the starch in your mouth to produce acid. Acid and plaque can stain your teeth.
Brush your teeth at least twice daily, especially after you wake up and before you go to bed. Take about two minutes to brush your teeth.
However, do not brush your teeth immediately after taking acidic drinks or food. The acid you are brushing away from your mouth may cause the erosion of your enamel.
- Brush with baking soda or hydrogen peroxide
Most commercial toothpaste products contain baking soda as one of their main ingredients. Baking soda is a natural whitener that can assist in scrubbing away the stains on the surface of your teeth.
Also, studies show that brushing your teeth with plain baking soda may help reduce the acid level in your mouth. An alkaline environment discourages the growth of harmful bacteria.
On the other hand, hydrogen peroxide has been used for decades in wound disinfection because the chemical can kill bacteria.
Most whitening products rely on hydrogen peroxide as one of the main ingredients. Research shows that toothpaste with a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide may be more effective in whitening your teeth.
- Consume fruits and vegetables
Regularly consume fruits and vegetables that are raw and crunchy to help stimulate more production of saliva and remove plaque and bacteria during biting and chewing. Therefore, your breath becomes fresher.
Additionally, fruits and vegetables have minerals and vitamins that can strengthen the enamel and safeguard your gums and other tissues from bacterial infection and damage.
Eat crunchy and crisp fruits and vegetables like carrots, apples, nuts, cranberries, and pineapple.
- Avoid teeth-staining foods
Limit or avoid consuming foods and drinks that can stain your teeth. After taking teeth-staining foods and beverages, always brush immediately.
Foods and drinks that may make your teeth appear yellowish are red wine, coffee, curry, soda, tomato sauce, dark berries, and candies. Some medications and tobacco chewing or smoking may also cause teeth staining.
Apart from relying on at-home remedies for achieving or maintaining whiter teeth, you should also go for dental checkups frequently.
Contact Family Dentistry of West Chester today to schedule an appointment with a specialist in family dentistry and learn more about teeth whitening.
