7 Quick Tips to Brighten Your Smile

Who wouldn't like to have a bright, healthy-looking smile? It is one of the first things people notice during interactions. In fact, many people make assumptions about an individual after looking over their appearance. It is no surprise people with discolored teeth tend to feel self-conscious about their appearance since many people assume the teeth are that way because of poor oral hygiene.

There are many things people consume that can rob the teeth of their natural white appearance. Coffee, red wine, tea, and sodas are some of the worst offenders. Fortunately, there are a few steps that people can take to help their smile stay bright.

7 simple things you can do to keep your smile looking bright

1. Practice good oral hygiene

It all starts with the basics. Taking proper care of your teeth goes a long way when it comes to keeping your smile bright. Brush twice a day, floss once a day, and use a quality mouthwash to clean the spaces that are difficult to reach.

This will help fight off tooth decay and tartar buildup – which gives teeth a yellowish color.

2. Use teeth whitening pens

Teeth whitening pens will not drastically change the color of teeth, but they do provide enough whitening properties to help get rid of light stains that accumulate on the teeth. Apply this on your teeth and let it dry for about 30 seconds. Be sure to review any other instructions on the box.

3. Use a banana peel

A banana peel is a natural way to whiten your teeth. Rub the insides of a banana peel on your teeth for about a minute and rinse it out. Not all dentists agree with the effectiveness of this whitening method, but it is worth a try.

4. Use a whitening toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste can help remove minor stains and discoloration. Look for a toothpaste that contains bleaching agents like peroxide or baking soda. This can help fight off stains that result from consuming foods and beverages that discolor your teeth like red wine or coffee.

5. Chew sugarless gum

Chewing on gum that contains xylitol can help you reduce plaque accumulation on your teeth. This will help you fight off tooth decay and reduce tartar buildup. Tartar gives your teeth a yellow color, so the less buildup you have, the whiter your teeth appear.

6. Get a professional teeth whitening

It is normal for your teeth to accumulate some stains and discoloration over time, but a whitening session with your dentist will be enough to get rid of them. You also have the option of using over-the-counter whitening products, but these are not anywhere as strong as the solutions dentists have access to. Expect to get visibly whiter teeth after a professional whitening treatment.

7. Visit your dentist twice a year

Regular visits to the dentist are essential for good oral health and bright teeth. During your appointment, your dentist will scrape tartar off your teeth, and that will give them a brighter appearance. Your dentist will also conduct an examination while you're there looking for any developing issues.

Want to learn more about keeping your smile bright? Talk to one of our dentists today.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Montpelier Family Dentistry, request an appointment in our Laurel dental office here: https://thelaureldentist.com. Or call us at (301) 605-1132.