If your teeth are looking more yellow than white, you may be wondering what you should do. After all, you don’t want your smile to look discolored, brittle, or unhealthy, especially during family photos, summer BBQs, and the like. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to restore your bright, beautiful smile. To learn how to get whiter teeth this summer, read on!
Tip #1. Brush and Floss Your Teeth After Each Meal
To keep your teeth stain-free, you need a solid oral hygiene routine. In fact, something as simple as brushing and flossing after each meal can make a huge difference when it comes to the shade of your teeth. Although it may seem inconvenient at first, the positive effect on your smile will make it well worth it!
Tip #2. Pass on Dark-Colored Foods and Beverages
Coke, marinara sauce, and chocolate are just a few items that can leave your teeth looking discolored and brittle when consumed in excess. If you’re concerned about the color of your teeth, then it’s best to pass on these items altogether. Instead, opt for white or light-colored foods, like yogurt and oatmeal.
Tip #3. Cut Back on Your Sugar Intake
Sugary items, like candy and soda, can increase your chances of developing cavities. Since decay can leave your teeth looking yellow and brittle (and negatively impact your oral health), it’s of the utmost importance that you keep your consumption of sugar to a minimum. If you feel like indulging in something sweet, opt for a healthier alternative, like fresh fruit, or a low-sugar alternative, like dark chocolate.
Tip #4. Avoid Unhealthy Dental Habits
Your diet and your oral hygiene regimen will certainly play a role in the look of your smile, but so will poor dental habits. Smoking, nail-biting, and using your teeth as tools to open things all have the ability to damage your teeth. In a similar vein, one of the most common mistakes people make is neglecting to visit their dentist every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning. However, these routine visits can do more than just catch cavities in the early stages- they benefit the look of your smile by removing surface stains.
Tip #5. Talk to Your Dentist About Professional Teeth Whitening
If you’ve tried the previous tips but your teeth still aren’t as white as you’d like them to be, then talk to your dentist about a professional whitening treatment! While in-office whitening treatments can brighten your teeth up to eight shades in a single visit, take-home alternatives allow you to achieve the white smile you’ve been missing from the comfort of your own home.
If you’re unhappy with your smile due to stained teeth, don’t be discouraged – reach out to your dentist! From there, you’ll be a step closer to the bright, beautiful smile you deserve.
About the Practice
At Westgate Dental Care, we can help patients in and around Arlington Heights achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. To accomplish this, we offer a wide range of cosmetic dental services, including professional teeth whitening. In fact, we have both in-office and take-home options! If you want to learn more about how to keep your teeth stain-free or you’d like to schedule an appointment with our team, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (847) 577-7171.