7 Ways To Achieve A White Smile

Your teeth do not only help you speak properly and chew hard foods, but also say a lot about your appearance. If your teeth have dark stains from frequently drinking wine or smoking cigarettes, you may feel too self-conscious to show off your smile to the world. The good news is that it is still possible to achieve whiter teeth that you can be proud of. Here are seven ways to achieve a white smile:

Stay Away from Stain-causing Foods and Drinks

If you want a whiter smile, one of the first things you have to do is steer clear from stain-causing foods and drinks. These beverages and foods are typically dark in color and can cause your teeth to darken over time. For example, black tea is one of the worst beverages to drink if you want a whiter smile. According to WebMD, black tea can discolor your teeth even more than coffee. Other foods and beverages that lead to stains include berries, curries, wine and tomato sauce. If you can't completely give up these foods and drinks, remember to rinse your mouth with water afterward. It is also a good idea to use a straw when sipping on stain-causing beverages.

Try Baking Soda

Baking soda is not just good for household cleaning; it can also help you achieve a whiter smile. Its abrasive texture can remove the deep stains from your teeth. Just add a pinch of baking soda to your toothpaste each time you brush your teeth. After a few weeks, you should have noticeably whiter teeth.

Eat Crisp Foods

Not all foods cause discoloration on your teeth. In fact, there are some foods that actually help remove stains from your pearly whites. Foods that have a crispy texture, such as apples, celery and carrots, increase saliva production and gently scrub off stains as you eat them.

Stop Smoking

Smoking won't just do a number on your heart and lungs; it is also horrible for your teeth. In addition to causing bad breath and tartar buildup, tobacco can stain your teeth. If you are a smoker, your teeth will not be as white as they should be. Quitting this dangerous habit can help you achieve a brighter smile.

Switch Your Toothbrush

Toothbrushes are not meant to last that long. In fact, you should remember to switch your toothbrush at least every three months. After a few months, a toothbrush's bristles get worn down, so it can't remove stains from your teeth as effectively.

Clean Your Tongue

Even if you brush and floss your teeth thoroughly every day, neglecting your tongue can have some negative effects. A lot of food particles and bacteria can accumulate on your tongue every day, which can discolor your teeth. Every morning, clean your tongue with a toothbrush. Use long strokes to gently remove the bacteria from your tongue. Brushing your tongue will also help prevent tooth decay and bad breath.

Be Diligent About Flossing

If you want to maintain a white, healthy smile, flossing every day is a must. Flossing thoroughly will not just reduce the risk of gum disease; it will also remove the stains in between your teeth. Before you brush your teeth in the morning, remember to floss between each tooth.

If you follow these helpful tips, you can whiten your teeth and become a lot more confident about your smile. However, if your teeth still are not as white as you want them to be, talk to your dentist about professional whitening treatments or other cosmetic dentistry treatments. These treatments only take about 20 minutes and can dramatically whiten your teeth.

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