How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy and White

Maintaining white teeth and a healthy-looking dental is one way to ensure you maximize all the perks of smiling. The most notable benefits include enhanced self-confidence and the ability to make a better first impression during social or professional encounters. This makes it imperative to make staying on top of your dental health and appearance a top priority. 

The teeth can discolor over time because of dietary choices, age, and lifestyle. If your teeth are not as pearl white as they used to be, here are a few simple approaches to make your smile healthier and several shades brighter. 

Brush and Floss Your Teeth Correctly 

Brushing teeth is a skill people learn when they are very young. Unfortunately, some people have been doing it wrong all along. Knowing how to reach all areas without causing unnecessary damage to your gums or enamel is essential. 

The correct steps to brush your teeth include: 

• Use the right toothbrush — A soft-bristled brush is a safe choice for most people. You could also go for a medium-bristled brush, depending on how rigorously you scrub your teeth and the strength of your dental. Most importantly, ensure that your toothbrush has a smaller head to reach the spaces between teeth. 
• Replace your toothbrush frequently — Throw out toothbrushes every few months or earlier if the bristles are worn out or frayed. 
• Invest in quality toothpaste — Fluoride-based toothpaste is best for strengthening the tooth's enamel and removing plaque. Whether you choose a desensitizing, tartar control, or whitening toothpaste, ensure it also contains fluoride. 
• Brush at least twice each day — Plaque forms after about eight hours. This makes it safer to brush your teeth twice daily to avoid plaque buildup that can be tricky to remove. 

• Use proper brushing techniques — Just a pea-size amount of toothpaste is enough. Hold your brush at a 45° angle and move across the teeth in small circular motions. Be gentle to avoid damaging the gums or enamel, and work your way around the entire mouth. Also, ensure that you take your time and spend two to three minutes to ensure you do a thorough job. 
• Do not forget the tongue — You should focus on the teeth and give your tongue the attention it deserves. Bacteria can grow on the tongue, making it imperative to give the area a good scrub and reach as far as possible into your mouth. 
• Use floss — Before you wrap up, floss to remove tiny bits of food debris that may be stuck between the teeth. Flossing is a crucial component of good oral hygiene and can help reduce the risk of common dental concerns like gum disease and cavities. Rinse your mouth with water before using mouthwash. 

Protect Your Enamel from Wear 

The enamel is the outermost layer of the teeth. It is vulnerable to staining and other forms of damage. Avoiding being too forceful when brushing is the easiest way to protect your enamel from wear. Also, do not forget to visit your dentist if you notice signs of enamel wear. 

Some of the telltale signs that your enamel is worn down include: 

• Teeth sensitivity when eating cold or hot foods 
• Uneven edges on the teeth 
• Teeth yellowing 
• A shiny tooth surface 

There are simple techniques that can protect your enamel from wearing out. Maintain proper oral hygiene practices and avoid sugary foods and drinks to reduce the acid in your mouth. Also, drink plenty of water and take a bite of cheese after meals to balance the acid from your foods. 

Drink Fluoridated Water 

Water with natural fluoride can keep your teeth healthy and help prevent cavities. The water contains one-part fluoride by a million parts of water, making it safe for consumption and beneficial for your teeth. While it can be a little tempting to choose bottled water over tap water, remember that the latter can also reverse some of the effects of tooth decay to give you a whiter and healthier smile. 

Protect Your Teeth from Staining 

A surefire way to keep your teeth white and healthy is to prevent staining before it happens. Here are a few proven strategies that deliver the best outcome: 

• Limit your intake of teeth-staining foods and drinks — Some foods to consume in moderation include dark berries, red wine, coffee, and soda. If you have to drink any of these beverages, consider using a straw to prevent direct contact with your teeth. Also, brush your teeth for at least one hour after consuming any teeth-staining food or beverage. 
• Avoid smoking — Tobacco products are notorious for causing tooth discoloration. Ditching the cigarette can also reduce the risk of gingival recession, periodontal disease, oral cancer, and other health concerns. 
• Limit sugar intake — It is crucial to reduce your consumption of sugary foods and beverages if you want to maintain white and healthy teeth. Sugary foods encourage the growth of Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium that causes plaque and increases the risk of gingivitis. If you consume high-sugar food or drinks, brush your teeth at least one hour later. 
• Increase the calcium in your diet — Consuming foods rich in calcium protects your enamel from eroding and exposing the yellow dentin underneath. Calcium strengthens the enamel and can help you maintain a pearl white smile. Some calcium-rich foods to include in your diet include broccoli, cheese, and milk. 

Try Natural Teeth-Whitening Remedies 

The science behind natural teeth-whitening methods is lacking. Even so, there are products readily available in local grocery stores that could brighten your teeth by several shades. Note that these natural remedies do not work overnight, and you must make multiple attempts to achieve the desired outcome. 

Oil pulling is one of the traditional remedies that produce a commendable effect. The remedy also helps remove toxins from the body, improve oral hygiene, and enhance oral health. Take a generous amount of coconut oil and swish it in your move to remove bacteria and plaque that cause teeth yellowing. The oil will also reduce inflammation and lower the risk of gingivitis by killing streptococcus mutans. 

Baking soda contains natural teeth-whitening properties. Brushing your teeth with one teaspoon of baking soda mixed with two teaspoons of water and regular toothpaste can make it easier to get rid of surface stains. The alkalinity of the product also discourages the growth of bacteria in the mouth and significantly reduces gum inflammation and plaque. 

Another natural remedy that could make your teeth whiter and healthier is hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a disinfectant that kills bacteria, and many commercial whitening toothpastes contain the product in higher concentrations. Ensure you use the remedy in moderation because overuse can cause tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. 

Here is how to safely use hydrogen peroxide to enhance the brightness of your teeth: 

• Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water (2 teaspoons each) 
• Add one teaspoon of baking soda (optional) 
• Add a pea-size amount of toothpaste 
• Gently brush your teeth for 2 to 3 minutes using the mixture 
• Use the homemade paste only a few times weekly 

Increase Your Intake of Fruits and Vegetables 

Fruits and vegetables are good for your physical and oral health. Crunchy fruits help to rub off plaque for generally whiter teeth. Also, it would be best to increase your consumption of pineapples and strawberries because they are known to whiten teeth. 

Also, you can brush your teeth with baking soda and strawberry paste as a natural remedy to help maintain pearl white teeth. Strawberries contain malic acid that does an excellent job at removing yellow stains on teeth. On the other hand, baking soda buffs away discoloration, although it is mainly effective in removing stains on the enamel. 

Pineapples are also great for maintaining excellent oral health. They contain bromelain, an enzyme that can make your teeth naturally whiter and healthier. 

Prioritize Bi-Annual Teeth Cleaning Appointments  

Bi-annual dental exams are a must to maintain healthy white teeth. During the exams, your dents will also perform teeth cleaning and ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure. While it may seem inconsequential to appointments for several years, making the exams a priority can save you time, money, and pain in the long haul. 

There are three key reasons not to skip the appointments: 

• Unveil signs of oral concerns — Your dentist will check for common problems like cavities, weak enamel, or gum problems during the checkup. Discovering and addressing these concerns in good time can make it easier to maintain a healthy and aesthetically pleasing dental. 
• Efficient teeth cleaning — During a professional dental cleaning, your dental hygienist will give your teeth, gums, and tongue a thorough scrub, even in hard-to-reach places. The service will be tailored to eliminate tartar, sticky plaque, and bacteria using specialized equipment and products to leave your mouth meticulously clean. 
• General health assessment — The state of your oral health can provide clues to other health concerns. During the checkups, your dentist will inspect your gums, tongue, cheeks, throat, and palate and order proper screening of any issues of concern. The examination is painless and can help detect grave health issues, including oral cancer in its early stages. 

Ask Your Dentist About the Best At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits 

Your dentist is your partner in ensuring you enjoy a lifetime of bright and healthy smiles. If you are unsure about the best home remedies to help you maintain pearl white teeth, do not hesitate to ask your dentist for recommendations. The expert could even prescribe at-home whitening kits that are safer and easier to use. 

4 Reasons to Consider Professional Teeth Whitening 

If you wish to achieve dramatic teeth whitening results, at-home and natural remedies may not be enough. It is imperative to consider professional teeth whitening to achieve a brighter smile within a shorter time frame. Dentists use safe techniques and can transform your smile and boost your self-confidence in just one appointment. 

Here are four compelling reasons to consider investing in professional teeth whitening: 

Faster Results and Longer Lasting Effects 

The primary reason to consider professional teeth whitening is that one appointment is enough to make your teeth dramatically brighter. Competent dentists will focus on your dental aesthetics and also provide services to ensure you maintain a healthy smile. 

During the appointment, the expert will analyze the cause and nature of your teeth' discoloration before devising a course of action. Most home remedies only focus on eliminating stains on the top-most layer of the enamel. On the other hand, dentists use advanced techniques to achieve better results even when dealing with deep-set stains. They can also take X-rays of your mouth to unveil concerns they cannot spot through visual exams alone. This ensures you receive customized service and the outcome of an appointment lasts for longer. 

You can expect the following services during professional teeth cleaning appointment: 

• Tartar and plaque removal 

• Tooth polishing 
• Professional flossing 
• Thorough mouth rinsing 
• Fluoride rinse 

Safer Than Store-Bought Whitening Kits 

Using natural teeth whitening remedies or store-bought kits is not always practical or safe. For instance, the overuse of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can cause enamel damage and extreme teeth sensitivity. Sometimes, home remedies can cause more damage than good to your overall oral health. 

Dentists understand the best techniques to achieve the desired results without causing damage to your teeth or gums. Even though professional teeth cleaning involves using more concentrated products, the dentist will use tried and tested application techniques to ensure safety while still enhancing the aesthetics and health of your dental. 

Customized To Match Your Needs 

Even patients that want to brighten their smiles and improve their oral health have unique needs and preferences. For instance, one patient may merely wish to remove yellow stains, while another may also have to address tooth decay for a more appealing smile and fresh breath.  

A skilled dentist will consider your needs and the dental work required before the teeth whitening procedure. This also reduces the risk of teeth whitening side effects like extreme enamel damage. 

Convenient, Versatile, and Affordable 

A professional teeth cleaning service is not as complex and time-consuming as many assume. A procedure can take between one and three hours, depending on your needs, preferences, and goals. Your dentist can even recommend an at-home teeth whitening kit to make the process of making your dental pearl white more convenient. 

Moreover, relying on over-the-counter teeth whitening products is not necessarily cheaper than a professional teeth whitening service. It only takes one professional appointment to achieve dramatically improved results. On the other hand, you may have to buy several kits to get the job done correctly from home. Talk to your dentist about the type of teeth whitening you need to create a plan that works best for your budget. 

FAQs 

Why Do Teeth Discolor? 

There are multiple reasons teeth could lose their white sparkle and look yellow. The most common cause of teeth discoloration is foods and beverages that stain the enamel. Another factor that can make teeth look dull is plaque buildup. 

Fortunately, you can get rid of most stains through regular whitening remedies. However, the fastest and surest means of achieving the desired outcome is to schedule professional teeth whitening. If your enamel is eroded and the yellow dentin underneath is visible, you can explore other means of brightening your smile, like installing veneers. 

What Are The Most Recommended Methods Of Teeth Whitening? 

The ideal way to make your teeth a shade lighter depends on your dental concerns, preferences, goals, and budget. If you are on the budget, consider home remedies like hydrogen peroxide or baking soda. You are also likely to experience significant improvement by limiting the consumption of teeth-staining foods and beverages. 

When home remedies do not bear the intended fruit, seeking professional whitening treatments would make a wise investment. The products used are stronger than most natural ingredients and deliver faster and longer-lasting effects. Your dentist will bleach your teeth using just the right amount of product to avoid the risk of damage posed by the overuse of over-the-counter whitening products. 

Are There Common Mistakes People Make When Brushing Teeth? 

Yes. Some common blunders people make when brushing teeth are failing to brush long enough and brushing too hard. Brushing your teeth immediately after eating is not recommended, and you should wait for at least one hour. Furthermore, most people make the mistake of failing to replace their toothbrushes after every three months or as soon as the bristles start showing signs of wear. 

Find a Dentist Near Me 

Maintaining a good-looking smile is a crucial part of ensuring your general oral health. While using home remedies to brighten your smile is perfectly okay, do not forget to schedule a regular professional cleaning. Also, you should consider cosmetic dentistry if you want to fix minor imperfections or give your mouth a complete makeover. At La Puente Advanced Dentistry, we can help you fix dental alignment issues, broken teeth, and discoloration, among other concerns. Contact us at 626-626-7075 to discuss your cosmetic dentistry concerns and learn about a plan that can make your smile brighter and healthier.