Tips for Whitening Teeth

When was the last time you took a good look at your teeth? While you may not pay much attention to the shade of your teeth, it’s entirely possible that other people are noticing this little detail. Over the years, various foods, drinks, and habits can discolor teeth and leave them looking yellow or even brown. People who see you may make a split-second decision that the poor color of your teeth is also somehow indicative of poor health or hygiene habits. The good news is that there are steps you can take to avoid and even overcome stained teeth.

Watch What you Eat
Berries, coffee, tea and even soy sauce are all culprits when it comes to stains on your teeth. Dark sodas, wine, and balsamic vinegar are also known for leaving an unattractive color behind. You can start counteracting the effect by cutting back on your portions of these items while increasing your water intake. Getting plenty of water helps wash the acid-producing particles away. Citrus fruit increases saliva flow and can help protect tooth enamel. Dairy products, fish and cocoa are also good for your teeth and can leave them stronger as well as more attractive. Eating raw fruits and vegetables is also a great way to clean teeth and leave them whiter.

Brush Properly
One of the keys to keeping white teeth is brushing properly. The toothbrush should be replaced when it starts to look worn, and you should also brush your tongue to remove bacteria that may eventually lead to discoloration. When you’re finished brushing your teeth, was the toothbrush to eliminate bacteria on the surface.

Protect the Enamel
It’s important to protect the enamel on your teeth. Immediately after eating, rinse your mouth with plain water to help get the food residue out. When drinking soda or tea, use a straw to bypass the teeth and protect them. Avoid brushing too hard or for a prolonged period as this can actually damage the enamel surface. If you eat something acidic, try to follow it with milk and cheese to counteract the effects of the acid.

If you’ve been brushing with special toothpaste and making other changes, then you may be anxious to see results. However, these shifts in your habits work slowly, so you may not see the improvement right away. Another option is to go for professional teeth whitening Fort Myers FL. Not only are the results more drastic, but you’ll also see the difference more quickly.