Let’s face it: Americans are obsessed with a sparkling smile. Countless toothpastes and infomercials promise pearly whites, while advertisements bombard us with blinding grins. Fortunately, picture-perfect teeth are attainable if you take preventative measures against discoloration and treat existing stains.
Much of what we eat and drink can cause yellowing, including coffee, tea, acidic fruit, soda, sugar, red and white wine, and certain berries. Other common culprits include smoking and lack of dental hygiene. Here are a few tips to help you treat and prevent stained teeth.
Watch what you eat
Instead of blackberries, blueberries, or pomegranates, choose fiber-filled fruits such as pears and apples. These fruits will lightly scrub the surface of your teeth and increase saliva flow. Strawberries contain malic acid, which will naturally lighten your smile. Eating cheese and nuts, as well as drinking lots of water, is also linked to whiter teeth.
Use an at-home treatment
For easy at home treatments, try brushing with baking soda once a week or switching to a whitening toothpaste. Dentists recommend never using household bleach to whiten your teeth, as it contains toxic chemicals which corrode teeth and gums. Consumption of bleach can also induce severe nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and burns.
Talk to your dentist
Stubborn stains, especially those caused by age, food, and tobacco use, require professional treatment. Cannon Park Dental offers safe, effective, and fast whitening methods.
However, keep in mind that even professional whitening is not permanent. To maintain a bright, white smile, be sure to watch what you eat, brush twice a day with whitening toothpaste, and care for your gums and teeth.
Ready to brighten your smile? Contact Dr. Myers and the Cannon Park Dental team today! You can reach us online or at (843) 723-5346.