A whiter smile can boost your mood and self-confidence, helping you feel more self-assured in social situations. Unfortunately, stained or discolored teeth can have the opposite effect, causing some people to dread smiling because they don’t like the appearance of their teeth.
Several factors can cause your teeth to become discolored or stained. For example, certain highly pigmented foods, such as coffee or red wine, can stain your enamel. Additionally, erosion of the outer layer of enamel may reveal the dentin underneath. This can give your teeth a yellow appearance because dentin is naturally yellow.
Tips for Whiter Teeth
If you have discolored teeth that impact the aesthetics of your smile, it’s possible to get them white again! Here are some proven tips on how to achieve whiter teeth.
1. Minimize Stain-Causing Drinks
Try to avoid stain-causing drinks like red wine and tea. But if you can’t cut them out completely, consider using a straw to ensure the beverage won’t pass over your teeth. You can also rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after drinking.
2. Quit Smoking
Tobacco smoking isn’t just detrimental to your health; it also stains your teeth too. The stains can be very difficult to eliminate as they tend to stick in the grooves of your enamel. If possible, it might be best to quit smoking entirely to keep a brighter smile.
3. Eat Natural Teeth-Whitening Foods
Some foods can actually help whiten your teeth. Consider crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, celery, and carrots. Dairy products are also great as they’ll help counter the acidity in your mouth. They’ll also help strengthen your tooth enamel.
4. Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings
Tartar can give your teeth a yellowish appearance. Luckily, it’s possible to get rid of these deposits through regular dental cleanings. Ideally, you should visit your dentist for thorough cleanings once every six months to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
5. Limit Your Sugar Intake
Sugar promotes the growth of plaque-causing bacteria. When you cut down your sugar intake, you can improve the appearance of your teeth. When you do indulge in sugary foods, be sure to brush your teeth soon after.
6. Professional Teeth Whitening
When it comes to professional teeth whitening, there isn’t a better source of information than your dentist’s office. A dental professional with knowledge and experience in teeth whitening treatments will be able to recommend the best teeth whitening method for your smile goals and oral health needs.
Dentists can help you whiten your teeth with a hydrogen peroxide solution that is much stronger than most over-the-counter tooth whitening products. As a result, teeth whitening performed by a qualified dentist will generally provide the best results.
7. Caring for Your Smile
A proper daily oral hygiene routine can help your teeth stay clean and white for longer. Brush at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and practice interdental cleaning with floss or soft picks to help preserve the natural color of your teeth. This will also help prolong the results of any tooth whitening treatment you receive. Additionally, consider cutting down on the things that stain or discolor your teeth. Limit certain foods and drinks such as red wine, coffee, and tea to maintain the whiteness of your smile.