7 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR TEETH WHITE

Teeth don’t have to be sparkling white to be healthy. But if you love the look of a white smile, keep these tips in mind to help your teeth retain their natural whiteness for longer and avoid stains and discolouration as much as possible.

1. Avoid strongly coloured food and drink

If food or drink leaves stains on your fingers or the tablecloth, it’s not going to be kind to your teeth either. Dark drinks such as tea and coffee, red wine and colas and vivid foods such as berries, beetroot and tomato sauces have strong pigments that can stain teeth, especially if the enamel has already been worn down. Cut these out of your diet or make sure you rinse your mouth with water to reduce their effects.

2. Cut down on sugar

Plaque that builds up on teeth can darken their appearance. Sugar in the food and drink you consume feeds bacteria in plaque, which release acids that can erode tooth enamel and reveal the softer dentine layer underneath. Teeth that have been weakened are more vulnerable to stains.

3. Drink through a straw

If you don’t want to give up your favourite drinks, you can reduce their effects on your teeth by using a straw. This keeps most of the liquid at the back of your mouth and avoids contact with the front teeth, especially when you swallow quickly.

4. Quit smoking

Smoking and chewing tobacco leaves stains on the teeth, not to mention increasing the risk factor for gum disease, oral cancer and a number of general health problems.

5. Eat tooth-friendly foods

As well as avoiding certain foods and drinks, you can help out your teeth by adding more calcium and vitamins to your diet. Dairy products and dark, leafy greens help to strengthen tooth enamel, while hard, crunchy fruits, vegetables and nuts can scrape away some plaque and minor stains from teeth surfaces.

6. Follow good oral hygiene

Taking care of your teeth every day will help to keep them free from plaque. Good oral hygiene involves brushing your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste, flossing between your teeth at least once a day, eating a healthy, balanced diet and keeping up with your regular dental visits.

7. Teeth whitening treatment

If your teeth already have stains or have naturally yellowed, you can talk to your dentist about teeth whitening and other cosmetic treatments. It’s still important to avoid stains after having your teeth whitened, to help your smile stay white for longer.

Talk to a cosmetic dentist in Erskineville

Do you want to know more about teeth whitening and other ways to whiten your smile? Get in touch with our friendly team at Sydney Park Dental today.

We’ll let you know if you’re a suitable candidate for treatments and we’ll make sure you have all the information you need about the costs and side-effects involved so you can make an informed decision about your oral health.

Call our Erskineville dentists on (02) 8084 7170 or book an appointment online.

References

Healthdirect. Teeth whitening [Online] 2018 [Accessed February 2019] Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/teeth-whitening