Whiter teeth can be a huge confidence boost for many people. Unfortunately, many of the activities many of us do on a daily basis can cause stains to build up on the enamel. Here are five top tips that can help to keep teeth whiter.
1. Have Regular Whitening Treatments
Even if you clean your teeth carefully every day, it is likely that stains will still build up over time. Professional teeth whitening safely removes these stains to allow the natural whiteness of your teeth to shine through. It is much safer than home remedies for teeth whitening, such as using lemon juice, which can damage tooth enamel.
2. Use Whitening Toothpaste
Some people avoid whitening toothpaste because they mistakenly believe that it is too abrasive for regular use. In fact, whitening toothpastes that carry the Australian Dental Association's Seal of Approval meet strict safety standards that guarantee the paste will not damage your teeth. You can use whitening toothpaste every day to reduce the rate at which stains build up on your teeth.
3. Stop Smoking Now
Keeping your smile white is much more difficult if you smoke. Cigarette smoke contains chemicals that stick to teeth, giving them an unattractive yellow appearance. Electronic cigarettes are much less likely to stain your teeth, so they are a safer option if you are not yet ready to quit completely.
4. Rinse After Drinking Coffee or Wine
Black coffee and red wine are famous for their ability to stain teeth, but many people cannot bear the thought of giving them up. You can limit the staining potential of these tasty drinks by rinsing your mouth with water after you consume them. Rinsing washes away the tannins that both give these beverages their rich flavour and contribute to dental staining.
5. Brush and Floss Thoroughly
A good oral hygiene routine is the best defense against a stained smile. Brushing every surface of each tooth scrubs away plaque, which has a yellow appearance. Set a timer to ensure that you brush for the full two minutes recommended by dentists.
Flossing removes plaque from the gaps between teeth that toothbrushes are not able to reach. Although it is tempting to skip flossing when you are tired and want to go to bed, flossing daily really does make your smile whiter, so try to get into a routine of doing it every day. Setting a reminder on your phone might help.
Share22 July 2019
As a retired dentist, I work with charities which visit developing countries and educate children about dental care. It gives me great satisfaction to revisit these communities and see how proud the children are of their efforts. I am acutely aware that good dental hygiene can help prevent a range of serious conditions when these children become older. I started this blog because it greatly distresses me that many people in Australia do not seem to care for their teeth as much as children in these poor communities. This is happening despite ready access to items like toothbrushes and toothpaste which are luxuries in the places I visit. It is my hope that this blog encourages you not to take dental health for granted. My greatest wish is that you can be as inspired as the children I see in my charity work. Please read on and enjoy.
