Do You Want a Whiter Smile? Try Following These Tips

While flipping through an album full of family photos, you marvel at how bright your smile used to be. After realizing how much the color of your teeth has changed over the years, you can’t help but wonder if there’s a solution to restore your pearly whites. Fortunately, there are several ways you can prevent further staining and maintain a whiter grin! Read along as your cosmetic dentist in Shorewood shares a few tips to keep your teeth bright.

Why Do Teeth Get Yellow?

Are you diligent about following your oral hygiene routine? If so, you might be wondering how your teeth got yellow or darker. Even if you take good care of your mouth, lifestyle and genetic factors can significantly influence the shade of your smile. Here are a few examples:

• Frequent consumption of acidic drinks, such as
  coffee, tea, soda, and wine
• Smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco
  products
• Thin enamel that shows the slightly yellow layer
  underneath (dentin)
• Dry mouth
• Genetics
• Aging

How to Brighten Your Smile

If you’re unhappy with the color of your teeth, don’t worry – there are many ways you can whiten them!

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

It may seem like a no-brainer, but practicing good oral hygiene is truly the key to a whiter smile. You must brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time, floss thoroughly daily, and use an antiseptic mouthwash to keep your mouth healthy. Don’t forget to attend your bi-annual checkups with your dentist!

Stay Away from Stain-Causing Foods

In addition to proper dental care, your diet also contributes to the color of your teeth. Certain foods and drinks are known to stain teeth, so staying away from them can help you avoid new or deepening stains. Coffee, tea, red wine, soda, berries, and even tomatoes should all be consumed in moderation.

Protect Your Enamel

If your pearly whites aren’t as bright as they used to be, it could be because of weakened enamel. Unfortunately, once it breaks down, it cannot be repaired or restored. Lack of enamel means the dark layer underneath (dentin) will show, causing a lackluster smile. Luckily, fluoride can help strengthen enamel and preserve a bright smile. Be sure to brush your teeth with a toothpaste that contains it!

Eat Calcium-Rich Foods

Like fluoride, calcium-rich foods can also help strengthen the enamel on your teeth. Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt), sardines, salmon, beans, lentils, leafy greens, and fortified foods are excellent sources of this essential mineral.

Teeth Whitening Treatment

Do you want a dramatically brighter grin? Consider professional teeth whitening treatment! In-office procedures have become increasingly popular in recent years because you can see results in as little as one appointment. Plus, the effects last much longer than any over-the-counter product! Be sure to diligently follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to maintain your pearly whites.

If your teeth aren’t as white as they used to be, try the tips outlined above to restore their brightness. Before you know it, your smile will be as radiant as ever!

About the Author

Dr. Nicholas Mueller (just call him Dr. Nick!) earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Minnesota and his dental doctorate at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. He is a current, active member of the American Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society, Wisconsin Dental Association, and the International Association of Orthodontics. To schedule a consultation for cosmetic dentistry at Shorewood Family Dentistry, visit our website or call us today at 414-332-8150.