Three Ways to Whiter Teeth.

A smile is one of the first things we notice in other people, and many of us wish our own was a little whiter and brighter. On top of the natural shade of your tooth enamel, which varies from person to person, stains can start to build up over time. Luckily, there are some simple ways to help combat staining, and safe and effective whitening options available. Here’s what you should know if you have a whiter smile on your mind:

1: Avoid staining your teeth.
Over time, some foods and beverages can cause stains to build up on your tooth enamel. Drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, or dark juices are some of the most common culprits, and foods like blueberries, blackberries, or beets can also cause staining over time. This doesn’t mean that you should never enjoy these foods and beverages, but there are some simple things you can do to help to prevent staining.

Alternate sips of coffee, tea, wine, or other dark beverages with sips of water in order to continually ‘rinse’ your teeth as you drink. Using a straw can help you to avoid contact between staining liquids and your teeth – just be sure to use a reusable or paper straw that’s safer for the environment! Drink water while you eat staining foods, and brush your teeth soon after finishing. Read more about how your diet can affect the health of your teeth and mouth here.

While your teeth do have a natural colour that brushing won’t change, don’t underestimate the importance of consistent and proper oral hygiene habits. Along with regular professional cleanings, brushing at least twice daily, or better yet after meals or potentially staining snacks or drinks, will help you to maintain your natural tooth colour and prevent stains from building up over time. An electric toothbrush can help you to get a thorough and consistent clean – more on that here – and don’t forget to floss!

2: Don’t smoke!
Smoking is a major cause of tooth stains. Along with the serious risks smoking poses to your oral and overall health, tobacco stains penetrate the natural grooves and pits of your tooth enamel and are very difficult to remove. The longer you smoke, the more ingrained these stains will become, and eventually stains will be permanent. Read more about how quitting smoking can improve your oral and overall health here.

3: Opt for a whitening treatment or other cosmetic service.
There are several safe and effective whitening treatments that we offer either in our clinic or at-home that will help to remove stains and brighten the natural shade of your teeth. We can whiten your entire smile, or target individual problem teeth. The right solution for you will depend on your teeth, the causes of staining, and any existing damage or previous dental work. That means that if you’re looking for help in getting a whiter smile, the best place to start is a consultation with one of our dentists! Book your appointment online or call, text, or email us here.

Read more about our whitening services, the safety of tooth whitening products, and the risks of whitening toothpastes in our Tooth Whitening 101  Dental Library article.