3 Ways To Achieve Whiter Teeth

Having whiter teeth can be a challenge if you are not actively avoiding staining products and doing what you can to improve the appearance of your teeth. There are several strategies to reduce discoloration and make your teeth whiter.

Avoid Sources Of Staining

Avoiding all sources of staining can be impossible, but you can mitigate the effects of staining foods and beverages. The most common staining beverages are coffee, tea, and wine. Some sodas, such as cola, may also contribute to staining. Generally, foods that are staining include fruits such as blueberries and foods that are dyed. Foods with red or blue dye may be the most staining. The easiest way to reduce staining is to brush and floss after eating or drinking. If this is not possible, chewing sugar-free gum can help. Some gums are specifically marketed for this purpose and may have whitening agents included to prevent stains from setting on your teeth. Smoking can be a major source of staining. If you cannot quit, at least rinse your mouth with water after smoking to remove some residue off your teeth.

Get Regular Cleanings

Regular dental cleanings are not just a matter of preventing gum disease; they also improve the appearance of your teeth. Twice-yearly cleanings may do an excellent job of removing surface stains, but it will also remove some tartar that can give your teeth the appearance of discoloration. Some people will need deep cleanings because of excessive tartar buildup. Since it is impossible to determine the true color of your teeth with tartar buildup, you will need to wait until all quadrants have been deep-cleaned before attempting to whiten your teeth. Most cleaning services are helpful if you notice discoloration at the gum line because this is frequently where buildup occurs.

Consider Whitening Products And Services

Once you have done all you can to minimize staining or have your teeth cleaned to remove discoloration, you can have a discussion with a cosmetic dentist about whitening. It is always best to have professional whitening services to reduce the chances of eroding your tooth enamel or developing gum irritation. Many dentists have either in-office whitening procedures or trays that you can take home. If you want to use retail products, ask your dentist which ones they recommend. Many retail whitening products, such as toothpaste or mouthwashes, are designed for regular use, but they may cause more problems. Constantly using abrasive products on your teeth and gums may not be ideal.

Regularly brushing and flossing after eating and drinking will be the easiest way to minimize staining. Once discoloration occurs, having whitening services after cleanings will give you the best results. 

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