White's the Secret? 3 Tips for Keeping Your Teeth White

Posted by turnerdentalcare on October 24th, 2019

Having a great set of pearly whites is a dream for most people. Not only does it boost confidence; it's also a sign of impressive oral health. And, thanks to modern technology, getting that sparkling smile is easier than ever.

Keeping that luster, however, is a whole new process altogether. If you've recently had your teeth whitened, or want to make them whiter, here are some tips for you.

Food Tooth-ink about

Be mindful of what goes into your mouth. The food and drinks you consume have a direct effect on the quality of your teeth, specifically on their thin, visible layer called the enamel.

Chromogens, tannins, and acids are substances found in some consumables, and they're notorious for deteriorating enamel. They either cling to it, change its color, or corrode it completely, causing your teeth to lose their sleek, white appearance. To prevent this from happening, think twice before having:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Carbonated drink
• Alcohol
• Sour candy
• Citrus
• Berries like blueberry and blackberry

Don't Hide from Your Oral Hygienist

Your orthodontist is no boogeyman; there's no reason to be scared. They'll help with your oral-health maintenance by performing professional check-ups, cleaning, providing treatments, and even whitening procedures.

Schedule an appointment with your dentist in Aliso Viejo, CA, at least once every six months. If you had your teeth cosmetically whitened at their office, make sure to adhere to their follow-up treatments. You can also touch-up after a year or two to ensure the quality stays that way. But, if you have unhealthy oral habits, like smoking, then it's best to go more often.

Prac-Teeth Makes Perfect

If there's something that 10 out of 10 dentists can agree on, that would be following a good oral hygiene practice. Doing so will help you achieve all your goals, from having minty-fresh breath and avoiding bacteria build-up to maintaining your shiny white teeth. Here is what they recommend:

1. Rinse right after consuming food or drinks that contain chromogens, tannins, and acids. This prevents the negative effects of these substances from causing permanent stains or corrosion. Also, use an antiseptic mouthwash every day.
2. Brush at least twice daily using whitening toothpaste. Doing so removes surface stains and reduces yellowing.
3. Floss every day. This will clean areas brushing can't reach, effectively preventing plaque build-up. 

By following these tips, you can have a set of healthy, picture-perfect teeth. But, tooth-be-told, the best person to ask about the condition of your dentition, and to teach you the best course of action for your situation, is your dentist in Aliso Viejo, CA.