According to a survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a lot of Americans would like to improve their smile. While teeth whitening is obviously a step in the right direction, having a beautiful and sparkling smile transcends just whitening alone. Here are five of the most important things you can start doing today to get on your way to having the smile of your dreams.
1. Watch what you eat
The first thing most people notice in a smile is yellowing and discoloration of the teeth. While we understand that aging may be a factor in this condition, it also helps to cut back on foods and drinks that can stain the teeth. These include coffee, wine, tea, pigmented fruits like pomegranate and raspberries, and sugary and acidic foods.
2. Drink your drinks … with a straw
If you love your coffee and wine so much you can’t imagine living without them, using a straw can possibly offer some help. Using a straw might keep the drink from sitting in your mouth and directly hitting your teeth every time you take a sip. You should, however, make sure to rinse your mouth after sipping any teeth-staining drinks, even if you use a straw.
3. Stop smoking
Smoking is bad for your lungs. It’s also bad for your breath and your teeth coloration as well. Tobacco products and similar substances can stain and turn your teeth brown easily, so you want to avoid these as much as you can if you want to be on your way to a sparkling smile.
4. Stick to proper oral hygiene
At the very least, brush two times daily, floss once, and see your dentist at least twice per year for professional cleanings and checkups. Any compromise here will compromise your sparkling smile.
5. Get professional teeth whitening
Is teeth whitening really worth it? Most definitely, if done by a professional.
You can either get professional in-office teeth whitening under the supervision of an experienced dentist or take home a professional whitening tray kit to do the upkeep yourself at home in between visits.
Do you want a big, bright smile? Almost everyone does. These five steps will get you on the road to sparkling pearly whites. For professional teeth whitening and other dental inquiries, schedule a visit or contact Dr. Norman and her team.
