Tips For Getting a Brighter Smile
Over time, your tooth enamel starts to get thinner, leaving you with yellow teeth. This can be caused by genetics, your hygiene routine (or lack thereof, your diet, and your age. Not to fear, we have gathered some tips for getting a brighter, whiter smile without having to break the bank on whitening treatments!
Tip #1: Change Out Your Toothbrush Frequently
When it comes to toothbrush care, there are a few things to keep in mind. It is recommended that you change out your toothbrush every 2-3 months. Over time, bacteria can build up on your toothbrush, so it should be replaced fairly frequently.
Tip #2: Eat Foods That Help Clean and Protect Your Teeth
One of the easiest ways to get a brighter smile is by eating fruits and vegetables that help protect and clean your teeth. Here are just a few fruits and veggies to incorporate into your diet that will make your teeth sparkle:
Apples
Apples are a great snack to eat in between meals. The skin of an apple contains water and fibers that work to wash away bacteria that builds up throughout the day. The malic acid found in apples is also found in most teeth whitening products, which makes your teeth appear whiter.
Carrots
Carrots contain keratin, which helps fight tooth decay. Crunchy vegetables are a natural teeth cleaner, and just like apples, are a good go-to snack in between your meals. Carrots stimulate the production of saliva, and this helps wash away bacteria and food particles that get stuck in the cracks of your teeth.
Strawberries
When you think of strawberries, the last thing you’d assume is that they can make your teeth whiter. However, strawberries also contain malic acid, which works to remove stains and give you a beautiful, brighter smile.
Tip #3: Clean Your Tongue
People often forget that while it is important to brush and floss every day, you should also be cleaning your tongue. Bacteria that builds up can dissolve your protective enamel and if not taken care of right away can cause cavities or gum disease. The bacteria on your tongue multiplies at a quicker rate because it nests into the grooves of your tongue. Brushing and cleaning your tongue helps to remove the bacteria and leaves you with better breath and better dental health.
Tip #4: Get Regular Cleanings
Getting regular cleanings is a great way to keep your smile bright and white. Your dental hygienist will start by removing all of the tartar and plaque that builds up in the crevices of your teeth and gums. Then, they will give your teeth a nice deep clean, leaving you with a brighter smile!
Tip #5: Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum has many benefits. It protects your teeth in between meals when you don’t have the opportunity to brush and floss your teeth. Foods and beverages that contain sugar activate acids which eat away at enamel and can lead to cavities. When you chew gum, you are producing saliva, which in turn stops acid from breaking down your tooth enamel.
Contact A Reno NV Dentist
We hope you can benefit from our tips for getting a brighter smile, if you are interested in learning more, contact our dentist office in Reno NV. We also offer teeth whitening services and at-home whitening treatments.