We all want to go into the new year feeling and looking our best — and our smiles play an important role in this.
If your teeth aren’t at their brightest, you may lose confidence and rarely share your smile with others. Naturally, keeping your teeth white can help boost your confidence.
Your McAllen dentists at Heroes Dental know that keeping your teeth white can be simple with the right tips. Take care of your dental health and you will reap the reward of a healthier, brighter smile for years to come.
Tips To Keep Your Teeth White
Most teeth whitening tips are also great for your dental health in general. For instance, eating more fruits and vegetables or rinsing after you eat to prevent decay will go a long way in maintaining your pearly whites.
Just as important as healthy habits is dropping bad dental habits. Doing so can improve your health and the look of your teeth.
1. Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks
Coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and food colorings can all stain your teeth. While you don’t need to cut them out completely, enjoying them in moderation will help to keep them whiter over time.
After eating or drinking, be sure to rinse your mouth with water to help keep stains from sticking. Also, consider brushing or using a straw to help maintain your teeth’s brilliance.
However, if you decide to go with professional whitening from your McAllen dentist, be aware that eating staining foods and drinks can result in discolored teeth.
2. Rework Your Dental Hygiene Routine
Did you know that how and when you brush and floss can help brighten your teeth? First, don’t brush too hard or you’ll wear away your enamel. Less enamel results in duller teeth and more potential cavities.
You should also aim to brush at least twice daily and floss every day. Keep up with your dental health and you’ll be smiling all year round.
3. Consider Whitening Options
If you want faster teeth whitening results, you may want to look into whitening treatments. Whether you choose a professional cleaning or an at-home kit, your dentist in McAllen, TX, can help you find the best and safest options for you.
4. Eat More Fruit and Vegetables
Eating foods with lots of moisture and a firm texture like apples or carrots can help your teeth. These types of fruits and vegetables have important nutrients and increase saliva production, which is critical for a healthy mouth.
If you have chronic dry mouth, your teeth will be at risk of yellowing and decay.
5. Switch To Healthier Drink Options
Switching out sugary drinks for healthier options is one of the most important steps that you can take for a healthy mouth. Even if you like drinks that don’t stain, the sugars or acids can still damage your enamel and yellow your teeth. This includes fruit juices, since they have a lot of sugar and acids.
Unsurprisingly, water is the best thing to drink as it helps flush away sugars and minimize potential stains.
Dairy is also a great choice for your dental health. If you’re lactose intolerant, look for alternatives with high levels of calcium to get similar benefits, just watch out for added sugars in your drinks.
6. Don’t Smoke
Smoking is horrible for your general health and will stain your teeth very quickly. Even electronic cigarettes and vaping can be bad for your teeth.
7. Visit Your McAllen Dentist for a Cleaning
A professional cleaning will brighten your smile very quickly. Plaque can be removed and your teeth will be polished to leave you with a sparkling smile.
Start the New Year With a Visit to Our McAllen Dentist
Visit your McAllen dentist at Heroes Dental for all your dental needs.
From checkups to teeth whitening, our dentist in McAllen, TX, near Expressway 83 can provide dental care for your whole family. Schedule an appointment today and head into the new year with a new smile.