5 Tips for a Whiter, Brighter Smile
No matter how discolored your teeth are, a cosmetic dentist can offer a solution
Over the course of a lifetime, teeth get exposed to all sorts of abuse. They can become severely stained to the point where you start feeling self-conscious about your smile. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to prevent, reverse, or conceal staining and give yourself that whiter, brighter smile you want. Here are 5 tips that should help.
Eat More Fruits & Veggies
Eating crunchy fruits and veggies can help keep teeth cleaner by increasing saliva production, which prevents staining food particles from adhering to teeth in the first place. For even greater benefits, try eating fresh strawberries, which contain an enzyme that works almost like a natural bleach, or broccoli, which contains minerals that can form a natural anti-staining barrier on teeth.
Avoid Staining Agents
Dark beverages and cigarettes are probably the most common causes of staining. By simply cutting down on coffee, tea, dark soda, red wine, and cigarettes, you can significantly reduce the amount of discoloration that will affect your teeth. Rinsing your mouth with water after drinking a dark beverage will also help.
Use Whitening Toothpaste
Taking good care of your teeth will also help keep them healthy and white. For an extra whitening effect, use a toothpaste that contains special whitening agents and/or gentle abrasives to polish away surface stains.
Get a Professional Whitening Treatment
The single most effective way to whiten teeth that are already stained is to visit your dentist for a professional whitening treatment. These treatments use stronger whitening agents than at-home whitening kits, yet are safer and more comfortable because they are administered under professional care. A whitening treatment from California Dental Group can significantly improve the color of your teeth by several shades, and the effects will last a long time provided you avoid staining agents and take good care of your teeth.
Consider Veneers
Some types of stains or discoloration may be too severe for even a professional whitening treatment to erase. For example, the gray color from a dead tooth cannot be changed by bleaching. However, it can be covered with veneers. Come visit us at California Dental Group and let one of our expert cosmetic dentists show you your options for truly natural-looking veneers that can cover up your severely stained teeth and give you a smile that is not only whiter but also straighter and more even.
