Some of us seem to be born with flawless, luminescent teeth. And some of us seem to always have coffee stains marring our (what should be) pearly whites, even with constant brushing, flossing, and purchasing of whitening toothpaste. If this latter category is you, keep reading. These four whitening tips can help you conquer your staining frustrations and empower your teeth to keep that coveted Hollywood shine.
First, Consult with Your Dentist
Regular at-home cleanings aren’t going to be enough to keep your teeth completely spot-free. While good for working off everyday tint, you and your toothbrush are somewhat limited. Your dentist, on the other hand, has stronger equipment capable of removing more stubborn blemishes. It’s important to visit your dental office every six months so they can help you maintain your oral hygiene and your sparkly smile.
That’s not all, though. Your dentist has another tool that’s more powerful than commercial products – teeth whitening treatment. Smudges are no match for in-office whitening lasers or professional-grade take-home kits! After tidying up your teeth to a dazzling gleam, you’ll be free to focus more on preventative care and routine checkups.
Second, Check Your Dental Cleaning Technique
Even Hollywood stars (or patients who recently whitened their teeth to Hollywood status) experience some staining from common dental activities. This is why dentists recommend brushing and flossing every day. However, a good cleaning technique is just as important as the cleaning itself. To maintain your pearly whites, follow these common suggestions:
- When you brush, brush for a full 2 minutes twice a day
- Hold your brush at a 45 degree angle
- Brush every surface of your teeth
- Remember to clean your tongue
- Consider rinsing with mouthwash
Your dentist can also offer some personalized tips and tricks to ensure you’re polishing as effectively as possible.
Third, Mitigate Yellowing by Avoiding Staining Foods
It is an unfortunate fact that coffee (and other colored drinks) will yellow out your pearlescent shine. Dark, juicy foods or foods with strong colors such as berries, tomato sauce, and curry will cause discoloration just as much as wines and sodas.
Luckily, there are ways to mitigate annoying staining effects without completely cutting out your favorite treats. Straws will help reduce contact with blemishing liquids, while a good warm water rinse after eating will help clear out discoloring foods.
Fourth, Help Your Teeth Protect Themselves
Empowering the layer of protection your teeth already possess can also help defend against stains. Fluoride strengthens enamel and can be found in most toothpastes. Calcium, another fortifying substance, can be supplemented through foods like yogurt and cheese. Simply swapping out your morning berries for yogurt will go a long way toward keeping your teeth fresh.
You don’t have to have miraculous genetics or major surgery to achieve a flawless smile. If yellowy splotches are ruining your mood, ask your dentist about teeth whitening treatment and other ways to improve your teeth’s pearly sheen. With some trays and a little routine maintenance, you can say “goodbye” to dental stains and “hello” to truly white teeth!
About the Practice
Drs. Brooke Buller and Clayton Odenweller enjoy working with patients and helping them meet their smile goals. They also know that maintaining shiny, healthy teeth is sometimes harder than it seems. That’s why they’re proud to offer several types of professional-grade teeth whitening treatments to fit every type of smile. To schedule a judgment-free cleaning or whitening appointment, visit the Claybrooke Dental of Gahanna website or call their office at 614-475-1874.