5 Tips to Keep Your Teeth White and Avoid Stains
Your dental health is important and can affect your overall health. Healthy teeth and gums will help your digestion and flashing those pearly whites around can give your confidence a serious boost.
Taking care of your teeth can feel daunting, especially if you’ve been slacking in this area in the past. But don’t worry, because these 5 tips will help you keep your teeth white and avoid building-up unaesthetic stains.
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1. Find a Good Dentist
The first step to keeping your teeth happy and healthy is finding a great dentist. So many people go with the first dentist they can find that accepts their insurance, but it’s helpful to shop around a little.
Ask your friends and family which dentists they use and if they’d recommend them. You want someone that you feel comfortable with, and maybe even someone who can treat the whole family.
Once you find the right dentist, you need to keep up with 2 appointments per year. Dr. Brian Kreeb and Dr. Kelly Kreeb of Kreeb Family Dentist in Huntersville NC, say you should visit twice a year “to ensure your teeth stay white and bright and your mouth stays healthy”.
2. Brush at Least Twice a Day
Most dentists will recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, but if you really want to keep your teeth white and avoid stains then you should be brushing your teeth after every meal.
Eating can leave behind food particles on your teeth and create a build-up of plaque. These things can create a yellow coloration to your teeth if they’re not removed quickly and frequently.
For most people, brushing after every meal isn’t always possible. Many people have lunch at their desks during working hours or are too busy wrangling their kids to get a good brushing in. So, if you can’t brush after every meal, then you should get it done at least twice a day. Brush once in the morning and once before bedtime to prevent the plaque from sticking and to keep food particles from breaking down your teeth’s enamel.
3. Use A Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride toothpaste does a lot to keep your teeth white and prevent stains. Fluoride is a mineral that your teeth need to prevent tooth decay and keep your gums healthy.
The mineral will also work to keep your teeth white by removing plaque and debris before it has a chance to discolor your teeth. You may have heard that children only need a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for it to be effective, but did you know the same is actually true for adults?
There’s no benefit to using more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste when you brush. In fact, using too much could potentially cause fluorosis. This can cause white spots on your teeth and may even lead to some dark spots. It’s just as important to use the proper amount of toothpaste as it is to use fluoride toothpaste.
4. Avoid Foods and Drinks That Stain
Certain foods and drinks can discolor your teeth. Acidic food or drinks, in particular, can damage the enamel of your teeth and lead to yellowing or browning. It’s best to avoid these products if you want to keep your teeth healthy and white.
Some of the most common foods and drinks that can stain your teeth are; red wine, balsamic vinegar, coffee, tea, tomato-based sauces, and fruit juices. If that seems like a lot- it is! And that’s not even a complete list of everything that could stain your teeth.
It’d be unreasonable to avoid anything that could stain your teeth for the rest of your life, but try to limit your consumption of these things. When you do drink a coffee before heading out for work in the morning you should brush your teeth immediately afterward. This will help remove the harmful ingredients from your teeth and prevent long-term stains from building up.
5. Carry Travel Brushes With You
If you’re the type of person who likes to drink coffee throughout the day and doesn’t want to brush your teeth at the office, then travel brushes can be teeth-saving!
Travel toothbrushes are small, come in multi-packs, and are inexpensive. You can pull them out and use them almost anywhere, including sitting at your desk. They’re a great way to brush more frequently throughout the day without the hassle of bringing your toothbrush and toothpaste with you everywhere you go.
You don’t need to use toothpaste with these because the mechanical action of brushing your teeth will be enough to remove food particles and plaque from your teeth. As long as you’re using good fluoride toothpaste at home, then travel brushes will work to keep stains from forming on your teeth throughout the day.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your teeth white and stain-free doesn’t have to be a huge hassle. Work on getting down a good routine so you’re brushing your teeth twice a day. Make sure you’re using good fluoride toothpaste to help keep them white and protect your gum health.
Finding the right dentist and keeping your bi-yearly appointments is going to make a huge difference for your teeth and gum health. Your dentist will be impressed with all the steps you’ve taken to make your teeth and gum health a priority if you follow these tips!
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