The Easy Five-step Guide to Keeping Your Teeth a Healthy, Natural White

There are few things that can brighten your face more than a beautiful smile with gorgeous, white teeth. Some people will seek professional whitening treatments for brilliantly bright teeth, but others prefer to have a more natural looking smile. While you can always get professional whitening treatments through your dentist, the good news is that you can keep your teeth looking great without this type of treatment when you follow a few important tips.

Avoid Products That Cause Staining

First, avoid any foods or drinks that are known to stain teeth. This includes drinks like coffee, tea, dark sodas and red wine. Some foods also may cause staining. For example, dark chocolate and other similarly dark items may result in staining over time. It is best to avoid these items altogether if possible because staining is one of the top causes of yellowing and discoloration of the teeth.

Brush or Rinse Promptly

If you do consume these products, you should consider brushing your teeth immediately afterward. This can lessen the impact of your teeth’s exposure to the staining elements. If brushing is not possible in the setting that you are in, reach for a glass of water. Running fresh water over your teeth after consuming these items can rinse away any lingering elements that may result in more staining.

Use a Whitening Toothpaste

You may not need or want to have your teeth professionally whitened, but you can still benefit from the use of over-the-counter whitening products. For example, there are several brands of toothpaste that have peroxide or baking soda ingredients, and these can help you to whiten your teeth regularly. Some will use these toothpastes every day. However, if you find that they irritate your teeth and gums, you can consider using them every other day or even once a week for great results. These products can help you to reverse any staining that has occurred since you last brushed.

Brush and Floss Regularly

When you want your teeth to look their best, it is important to follow recommended steps for proper oral hygiene. You should floss every day, and make an effort to brush at least twice per day. It may even be best to brush after every meal if possible. Through this effort, you can remove all of the plaque and other buildup on your teeth that may lead to discoloration and staining over time.

Avoid Tobacco Products

Finally, if you use tobacco products, you should make a plan to stop using them right away. Cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco all contain ingredients that can stain your teeth over time. If you are having trouble quitting, you should make a solid effort to brush your teeth after each use. This can be burdensome, but it will remove the buildup on your teeth after using these products.

While you could get whiter, brighter teeth through professional whitening treatments, this is not always necessary. You can follow these tips to keep your teeth naturally white.