Tips for a Dazzling Smile

Everyone would like to have a beautiful smile. Stain-free teeth not only make your smile brighter, white teeth can also increase self confidence.

A good brushing technique is not the only factor that can affect the whiteness of your teeth; what you eat and drink can also play a major role in the appearance of the teeth. Certain beverages and foods may stain teeth more than others. Think of it this way, any food or beverage that can stain clothing could also stain the enamel of the teeth. Foods and drinks on this list may cause staining:

• beets
• berries
• candy
• carrots
• coffee
• hard candy
• juices – including cranberry, grape and pomegranate
• ketchup
• oranges
• soda
• soy sauce
• sports drinks
• tea
• tomato sauce
• wine – red and white

Rinsing your mouth or brushing your teeth after consuming any of these foods can help to prevent staining.

In addition to staining caused by foods and beverages, teeth can become discolored due to genetics, antibiotic use, and even aging. Internal discoloration is mainly caused from antibiotic use as a child, decay, trauma, tetracycline, and high levels of fluoride exposure. Using tobacco products can also cause teeth to yellow.

The good news is there are foods that can actually help to clean and whiten teeth. It is a known fact that certain vegetables and fruits clean the teeth when chewed. Foods that can help to keep teeth white include:

• apples
• cauliflower
• celery
• hard cheeses
• onions
• seeds nuts
• pineapple
• milk
• cucumbers
• basil
• yogurt

You won’t have to give up your morning cup of coffee, dinner wine or your favorite berries by adding one or more of these to your regular oral hygiene routine. Brush right away with tooth whitening toothpaste after drinking any of the staining beverages or after eating any of the foods. Unable to brush right away, rinse your mouth with water to remove as much as possible. Drinking with a straw will help to keep the staining material from touching the teeth. Regular dental cleanings will also help, polishing the surface of the teeth prevents staining materials from discoloring the teeth.

While eating these foods and brushing clean the teeth, over-the-counter teeth cleaning kits and professional treatments will whiten the teeth when brushing just doesn’t get the teeth as white as they use to be. Professional tooth whitening is the preferred method to get whiter teeth. Though professional cleaning agents are stronger than those in the home whitening kits, professional treatments provide more protection for the mouth and gums. Professional cleaning gels that have a buffer to protect tooth enamel from damage are highly effective and can whiten teeth up to 10 shades in only one office treatment.

A single professional treatment can last a year or more with proper care and maintenance.