With white teeth, we feel better about ourselves and approach new people more confidently. Two factors will influence whether we have white teeth, biology and personal habits. Aging can cause teeth to yellow because as we age, tooth enamel erodes, revealing dentin, the hard yellow tissue underneath. But aging aside, our personal habits may cause the erosion of tooth enamel and yellow teeth. Here are a few simple steps to follow for gaining whiter teeth.
Brush
Brush teeth at least once in the morning and once at night. Brushing helps remove stains and removes sugary substances, which bacteria love. Use a soft toothbrush rather than a hard bristled one, which can damage enamel.
Wait an hour before brushing teeth if you’ve consumed tooth-enamel-damaging acidic foods such as citrus fruits and fruit juices. Acid softens tooth enamel and brushing too soon can damage it. Some over-the-counter toothpastes are also specifically made to whiten teeth and can help with your brushing.
Eat Protective Foods
Some foods will actually help strengthen teeth. Meat, fish, poultry, milk, eggs, and foods rich in phosphorus contain protein which is effective in protecting tooth enamel and in rebuilding it. Some fruits and vegetables such as carrots and apples and others that are fibrous and have a high water content, and will strengthen tooth enamel by washing away many damaging acids.
Monitor Foods and Habits That Stain Teeth
Control the consumption of red wine, coffee, tea, darker-colored beverages, and sports drinks, which can stain and yellow teeth. Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, cranberries, grapes and other berries also can stain. Processed foods that contain colorants include, but are not limited to, hard candies, frozen treats on a stick, and many packaged snacks and should also be avoided. Smoking is also notorious for staining teeth.
See a Dentist
Getting your teeth cleaned at a dentist’s office usually works wonders in making your teeth look whiter. If after a cleaning, you want even whiter teeth, your dentist may recommend bleaching. After applying protection to the gums, the dentist applies a bleaching agent, or a special light may be used. Some dentists use a laser to whiten teeth. A Health Centered Dentistry in Anchorage uses both a bleach and a laser in part of their in-office whitening process.
If you have tried tooth-whitening remedies at home and are not satisfied with the result, ask a dentist for recommendations for products and treatments and what you can reasonably expect in your situation. If you have bonded teeth or veneers, ask your dentist if there is a treatment that will be effective.
*Our content is not intended to provide medical advice or diagnosis of individual problems or circumstances, nor should it be implied that we are a substitute for professional medical advice. Users / readers are always advised to consult their Healthcare Professional prior to starting any new remedy, therapy or treatment. Your Wellness Group accepts no liability in the event you, a user of n-gage and a reader of this article, suffers a loss as a result of reliance upon or inappropriate application of the information.
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