Even if you brush and floss multiple times a day, you might end up dealing with a discolored smile at some point over the years. In order to brighten your smile, you will need to come up with a comprehensive oral health plan. Here is a look at four simple tips that will help you restore your teeth so that you can once again smile with confidence.
Drink More Water
While everyone has different hydration needs, the average adult should try to drink at least 64 ounces of water per day. In addition to being vital to a wide variety of bodily functions, water can also keep your teeth clean. Whenever you drink a cup of coffee or have a fruity snack, you might want to drink a cup of water immediately afterward. Cold water will wash away some of the pigments and germs that could stain or damage your teeth.
Snack on “Detergent” Foods
Even though many foods will cling to your teeth after you eat them, there are some foods that can actually brighten your smile. Detergent foods like carrots and celery are very good for your teeth, and you might want to snack on them in between your meals. Some of the other detergent foods that you can add to your diet include apples, plain popcorn, and pears.
Chew Gum that Contains Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that can be found in a wide variety of plants including coconuts and birch trees. It has been used medicinally for many years, and researchers recently discovered that it seems to brighten teeth as well. Regularly chewing on gum that contains xylitol is going to keep your teeth bright, healthy, and strong. You can also invest in toothpaste that contains this ingredient.
Schedule an Appointment
Many over-the-counter whitening products are effective, but you need to be very careful with DIY dental work. For example, if you leave a whitening product on your teeth for too long, then you could end up doing permanent damage to the outer layer of dentin.
During a professional whitening appointment, your dentist will safely remove stains with cutting-edge products and tools. They can also minimize unwanted side effects such as gum inflammation and tooth sensitivity. Regular dental appointments can help you maintain a beautiful smile. Your dentist can recommend cleanings, whitening treatments, dental implants, and more structural work so your smile is always gorgeous.
In addition to these four tactics, you should schedule regular dental appointments as well. Your dentist will be able to brighten your smile and reduce your risk of many different health complications including dental caries and periodontal disease.