Are your teeth less than pristine? Do they fail to glow under the light of your bathroom mirror? Would you describe their hue as more yellowy? Stained pearly whites are a common source of frustration, so rest assured that your dissatisfaction is valid! Fortunately, with discipline and a little elbow grease, you can achieve whiter teeth. Keep reading for some time-tested tricks!
Upgrade Your Oral Hygiene
Maybe you keep to an oral hygiene routine as recommended by the professionals. Maybe you don’t (in which case, brush twice a day, floss once per day, and have your dentist clean your teeth twice a year!). Either way, an upgrade could be in order. Here’s how you can more effectively clean your teeth:
- Brush for at least two minutes
- Reach more crannies by brushing at a 45-degree angle
- Make doubly sure you polish every surface, including your tongue!
- Rinse with mouthwash
- Consider getting a water flosser for more thorough flossing
- Invest in an electric toothbrush – some can even time you
Even if these are small changes for you, give them a try. You might be surprised with the difference they make!
Dodge Strong Pigments
Foods and drinks with bright colors and strong pigments will stain your teeth just as easily as the carpet. Coffee, fruit juice, dark sodas, tomato sauce, berries, and curry are good examples of what to watch out for.
However, you don’t have to avoid them completely – there are ways to mitigate their effects. Rinsing your mouth with warm water after each snack and meal helps wash out pigments before they settle in. Meanwhile, drinking through a straw limits a beverage’s contact with your teeth.
Start Fresh with Teeth Whitening
Some stains are tough customers! Trying to brush them off day in and day out can get discouraging if you don’t see results as you’d hoped. In this case, it might be best to hit the “restart button”. Unlike over-the-counter whitening products, your dentist’s special whitening agents can dramatically brighten your smile. After you complete your treatment, it’ll be much easier (physically and emotionally) to simply maintain your pearlescent shine!
These are nifty tricks for achieving whiter teeth, but it’s hardly an exhaustive list! Other cosmetic dentistry solutions can enhance your smile, and your local dental expert can offer more recommendations. When stubborn stains are driving you nuts, call your dentist. They’ll listen to your frustrations, judgement-free, and work with you to develop an effective treatment plan. That’s what the pros are for, after all!
About the Practice
Husband-and-wife Drs. Philip and Elizabeth Batson enjoy helping patients achieve their smile goals! They know dental stains can be a nuisance, and that not everyone has the same access to oral care and education. They’ll meet with you judgement-free, and ensure you’re empowered by a quality whitening treatment and reliable tips for maintaining your new look. To contact their office, call Columbia Healthy Smiles at 573-875-7071.