Ever wonder why you brush and brush, and your teeth don’t seem to get any whiter? You could be the most conscientious teeth cleaner and still unknowingly be contributing to a dull smile! There are many reasons our teeth lose their luster, but have no fear, however, for here are some of my favorite techniques to help brighten your day (and your teeth)!
Brush after meals.
This seems obvious, but brushing after meals helps to rid your teeth of plaque buildup, and bacteria from the sugars in your food. It also helps to negate staining caused by dark foods such as soy sauce or blueberries. Couple this with a good tongue brushing and you’re well on your way to a dazzling smile.
Change out you toothbrush.
If the bristles are bent, chances are you aren’t getting the most out of your brushing routine. Ditch that old brush for a sparkly new one at least every couple months.
Brush your tongue.
This one seems like a misconception but in fact, we tend to store bacteria in our mouths and our tongues are no exception. Over time, this buildup can lead to discoloration. All that good brushing we are doing should never be counteracted by some unintended bacteria buildup on our tongues.
Ditch the coffee, energy drinks and soda.
These drinks are loaded with caffeine, sugars, and acids that erode your teeth over time. Instead, opt for water, or sparkling water for an extra oomph!
Eat your vegetables raw.
Fruits and veggies aren’t just for your body. They keep your teeth healthy too. Kale, cauliflower, potatoes, carrots and yams are all high in cellulose and act as a natural abrasive to help remove plaque and let your pearly whites shine through.
Trade in your nicotine for the patch!
Not only will this improve your general health, but will freshen your breath and get rid of ugly smoke discoloration.
Gargle with apple cider. Â
This can be a natural way to whiten teeth at home. Swishing two parts water with one part cider in your mouth for a minute once or twice daily can go a long way in helping you enhance that Mona Lisa smile.
Switch your toothpaste.
To a tooth whitening specialty. Whitening pastes contain mild abrasives that help to reduce staining and get you grinning from ear to ear in no time.
More cheese, please!
Over time, as the enamel wears off of your teeth, their whiteness fades. Cheese contains a milk protein called casein that, along with calcium and phosphate, works to make our enamel stronger.
Berries for brightness!
Strawberries contain vitamin C, which rids our teeth of the plague of plaque buildup, while their malic acid, a natural astringent, removes surface stains. This along with the added benefits of strengthening cardiovascular health and lowering the risk of cancer and heart disease makes strawberries a yummy way to make us smile for the camera.
With all the new technologies on the market, there are many options for professional teeth whitening available here at Sol Dental. Ask us about our top quality treatment options so we can find the right one for you.
To learn more, book a consultation with us and we will have you smiling in no time.