A bright, white smile boosts your appearance and gives you confidence. But do you know how to keep your teeth from looking yellow, gray, or just plain unhealthy? In between your regular six-month dental cleaning and checkups, follow these tips for a glowing, healthy smile.
Avoid Sugar for Healthy Teeth
Sugary foods, like cakes and candy, are terrible for your teeth. So are sugared beverages, like sodas, sweet tea, or chocolate milk. Reduce the amount of sugar you eat and drink, and make sure you rinse your mouth thoroughly after eating or drinking a sweet treat.
Don’t Drink Alcohol If You Want a Bright Smile
Alcohol, especially red wine or dark liquors, can stain your teeth. It’s also hazardous for your gum health. Alcohol can increase your risk of gingivitis or other gum disease or encourages bleeding gums. It also increases your risk for many types of mouth and throat cancers.
Alert Your Dentist If You Have Heat or Cold Sensitivity
If your teeth hurt when you drink a very hot or very cold beverage, it could indicate problems with your teeth. Tell your dentist if you have sensitive teeth. It could be nothing, or it could indicate a more serious problem.
Don’t DIY Teeth Whitening
You may have seen “life hacks” for whitening teeth, like baking soda, peroxide, or even household bleach! Don’t put anything on your teeth without your dentist’s direction. Over-the-counter whitening products can irreparably damage the enamel of your teeth.
Instead, ask your dentist about custom teeth whitening services. They can prepare the right solution that preserves the enamel of your teeth and gives you your desired results.
Make Sure to Have Regular Dental Checkups
Have a dental checkup and teeth cleaning every six months. Your dentist can detect small problems with your teeth and gums and fix them before they become painful and complicated. For example, they can note early signs of gum disease and give you tips on keeping it from spreading. Your dentist can also find cavities while they are very small and easily repaired so that you can avoid a root canal later on.
Your dentist can clean your teeth and gums, professionally ridding your teeth of stains and plaque. Not only will you have a brighter smile, but you’ll also have a healthier one, too.
Don’t Smoke if You Want a Healthy Grin
Smoking causes all manner of health issues. It can cause serious lung damage, like emphysema, lung cancer, and COPD. It also rapidly ages your skin, making you look older and more wrinkled than non-smokers your age.
Finally, smoking can really do a number on your teeth. Many smokers have a yellow tinge to their teeth that no amount of brushing and bleaching can reduce. Smoking also does other damage to your mouth. Smokers have an increased risk of gum disease and oral cancers like tongue or throat cancer.
Do You Need a Brighter Smile?
Do you need professional help making your smile brighter or your teeth and gums healthier? Contact Babylon Dental Care at (631) 983-6665 today to schedule an appointment and personalized dental consultation.
