9 Rules For Maintaining a White Smile
Over time it is natural for your teeth to start yellowing, but this can have a negative effect on your self-confidence. The good news is that there are some preventative steps you can take to help maintain your pearly whites. Here are 9 tips for keeping your smile and oral health in tip-top shape.
1. Start a white-teeth diet
Dark drinks such as tea, coffee, and red wine can stain teeth, and tobacco can also cause staining. Rinse with water after acidic drinks and wait about an hour before brushing, rather than brushing immediately while enamel may be softened.
2. Throw out your old toothbrush
Replace your toothbrush or electric brush head about every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed. Rinse it after use and let it air-dry.
Bonus tip: When brushing your teeth place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gums and softly move it in circular motions instead of brushing in a back-and-forth motion.
3. Clean your tongue
Gently clean your tongue with a toothbrush or tongue scraper to help remove debris and odor-causing bacteria. Avoid scraping hard enough to cause pain or injury.
4. Choose a balanced diet
Fruit and vegetables can be part of a balanced diet, but they do not replace brushing and cleaning between teeth. Choose water frequently and limit repeated sugary snacks throughout the day.
5. Use fluoride toothpaste
Use fluoride toothpaste rather than household salt or baking soda as a substitute. Some formulated toothpastes contain baking soda and fluoride. Avoid abrasive home remedies and stop using any product that makes your gums sore.
6. Stay fresh
Mouthwash is optional and does not replace brushing or cleaning between teeth. Choose a product for your needs with your dentist’s advice; an alcohol-free rinse may be more comfortable if you have dry mouth or irritation.
If you’re ever worried you have bad breath, lick the back of your hand and smell it while it's still wet. If you don’t like what you smell use a sugar-free breath mint.
7. Practice flossing with your eyes shut
Clean between your teeth daily using floss or another suitable interdental cleaner. Take your time and use a gentle technique in a safe, stationary setting.
8. Brush your teeth first thing in the morning and right before bed
It is crucial to brush your teeth right before bed because saliva flow, which helps protect your teeth, decreases during sleep. So it is important to clean all that plaque off your teeth before you sleep. Brushing your teeth first thing in the morning is also important because this will clean off any built up plaque or bacteria that may have accumulated overnight.
9. Conceal with color
Ladies medium coral or light red lipsticks are your best friend! These colors actually make your teeth look whiter, while lighter-colored lipsticks make your teeth appear more yellow.
Combining all 9 of these rules can help you maintain your pearly white smile. However, if you’re already unhappy with the yellow appearance of your teeth contact Smiles by Bergen Dental and make an appointment with Dr. Farinas-Han. Dr. Farinas-Han will work with you to decide the best route to achieve the pearly white smile you desire. Once you have the smile of your dreams you can use these 9 tips to help maintain that perfect white smile.
If you're concerned about the yellow appearance of your teeth make an appointment with Dr. Farinas-Han, at Smiles by Bergen Dental, and schedule a consultation. Dr. Farinas-Han will assess your oral health and help you decide the best route to achieve the pearly white smile you’ve always wanted. Smiles by Bergen Dental is conveniently located in Midland Park New Jersey, within minutes from Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Glen Rock, Paramus, Ramsey, Allendale, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, and Franklin Lakes.