Want a smile that’s beautiful and bright? Don’t want your teeth to become stained and discolored from the food and drink you consume? You’ll be pleased to know that it’s much easier than you think to maintain a smile that is white, bright and shining with happiness. Here’s how:
1. Sip Smart
Okay, so let’s get the bad news out of the way first; if you are someone who drinks a lot of coffee, tea or red wine, then there is a bigger chance that your teeth will end up stained and discolored. However, you should not despair, and you do not have to give up your favorite beverages! Simply use a straw to drink coffee or wine or anything else that will stain. Who cares if you look a bit quirky if it means you can beam out a beautiful smile, right?
2. Brush and Floss Like a Pro
Brushing your teeth twice a day isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a must. Use a whitening toothpaste for extra stain-fighting power, and don’t skip flossing. Floss gets rid of the gunk your toothbrush can’t reach, which is key for keeping your teeth white and healthy. Think of it as your smile’s secret weapon.
3. Snack Your Way to Whiter Teeth
Believe it or not, crunchy fruits and veggies like apples, carrots, and celery are nature’s toothbrushes. They help scrub your teeth while you chew, which is basically the laziest way to clean your teeth (and we’re all for it). Plus, they’re good for you, so it’s a win-win.
4. Don’t Skip Your Dentist Appointments
Your dentist is like your smile’s personal trainer—they’ll keep your teeth in tip-top shape. Regular cleanings remove plaque and surface stains, and they can spot potential problems before they get worse. If you’re really serious about keeping your teeth bright, ask St. George Dental Care about professional whitening options. Trust us, it’s worth it.
5. Be Wary of DIY Whitening Trends
We’ve all seen those viral TikTok hacks promising whiter teeth with random kitchen ingredients, but let’s be real—most of them are better left on the shelf. Baking soda and lemon juice? Hard pass. Charcoal toothpaste? It’s messy and might not even work. Stick to products approved by your dentist unless you’re into scrubbing your teeth with your morning smoothie ingredients.
6. Cut Back on Smoking (or Quit Altogether)
We don’t need to tell you that smoking is bad for your health, but it’s also terrible for your teeth. Nicotine stains are tough to remove, so if you needed another reason to quit, here it is: your teeth will thank you.
7. Opt for a Whitening Mouthwash
Using a whitening mouthwash daily can help tackle surface stains and keep your smile bright. Just make sure to choose one with a gentle formula so it doesn’t irritate your gums. It’s gentler and safer than DIY whitening, so you can do it regularly!
8. Don’t Forget Your Tongue
Discoloration doesn’t only come from your teeth—bacteria on your tongue can contribute to staining. Use a tongue scraper or the back of your toothbrush to give your tongue a quick clean and keep your whole mouth looking and feeling fresh.
Shine on and smile bright!