You’ll be hard-pressed to find a person who doesn’t desire to have a nice set of brightly gleaming teeth. It sends a host of positive messages to the world, from “I care about myself” – to “I’m confident.” In your quest for a beautiful smile, you don’t want to waste time trying out gimmicks that aren’t proven. As you continue reading, a dentist in Copperas Cove lists the top 5 tips for achieving whiter teeth!
#1 – Limit Your Sugar Consumption
Overindulging in sugary foods and beverages poses a danger to your oral health and the appearance of your smile. The bacteria that live in your mouth are attracted to the leftover residue from glucose (sugar in its simplest form). As they gather to feed, they can eventually form plaque and release acids that cause decay and tooth stains.
#2 – Steer Clear of Darkly-Pigmented Foods and Beverages
Many highly pigmented foods and beverages contain tannins, naturally occurring compounds that are notorious for causing teeth stains. The following can lead to a blemished smile:
- Tea
- Coffee
- Ketchup
- Red wine
- Soy sauce
- Popsicles
- Dark berries
- Tomato sauce
If you choose to drink any of the above beverages, it’s best to use a straw to limit their effects. Drinking water also helps to flush your mouth of some of the leftover particles.
#3 – Commit to Excellent Dental Hygiene
In addition to helping to keep oral bacteria at bay, the act of brushing and flossing at least two times a day contributes to a gorgeous smile. It’s especially important to maintain a consistent routine if you frequently consume highly pigmented items throughout the day.
#4 – Eat Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
It’s helpful to consume fruits and vegetables, as the vital nutrients they contain contribute to better oral and overall health. However, they offer yet more. Many of these foods have crunchy skin; thus, when they’re eaten, they help to agitate and remove debris and bacteria from the teeth.
#5 – Consume Dairy Products
Dairy products are higher in calcium, a mineral that helps to strengthen the bones and teeth. The best sources are cheese and yogurt. When consumed, the harder cheeses are especially helpful with removing leftover food particles from your teeth.
What Teeth Whitening Can Contribute
If you’re wondering how to get whiter teeth, you may consider professional teeth whitening. A cosmetic dentist can provide you with a take-home kit, but this isn’t like the ones sold by your local retailer.
Instead of generic trays and inferior whitening agents, you’ll receive a set of custom-designed trays that ensure the high-powered gel is evenly and safely distributed. Therefore, you can count on achieving the results you’ve been looking for and place your smile on display every chance you get!
About the Author
Dr. Daniel Caraveo earned his dental degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry. Throughout his career, he has managed to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements by taking several hours of continuing education annually. Dr. Caraveo offers teeth whitening at Benchmark Family Dental, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.