Have you noticed your teeth looking a little yellow or dull lately?
Our teeth naturally darken as we age, so reduced whiteness is normal over time. While we can’t turn back the clock, we can help our teeth stay brighter by following these three simple tips:
#1 Drink Colored Liquids through a Straw
Everyone knows that dark-colored beverages such as coffee, tea, and wine also darken your teeth. Even vibrant fruit juices such as cranberry or grape can leave unsightly stains. If you want to keep your teeth looking whiter, you don’t have to give up your favorite drinks entirely — instead, try drinking them through a straw. The straw directs the liquid toward your throat and the back of your mouth, avoiding staining your front teeth and limiting contact with other visible parts of your smile.
#2 Include Lots of Calcium in Your Diet
Calcium-rich foods help keep your tooth enamel strong and solid. Enamel is white, and it covers up the yellow dentin that would otherwise be visible underneath. For a brighter smile, eat and drink lots of calcium! Common sources of calcium include milk, cheese, almonds, soybeans, yogurt, broccoli, oranges, and sesame seeds.
#3 Rinse or Brush With Baking Soda
Many of our modern-day toothpastes contain baking soda as an active ingredient. Baking soda is considered a mild abrasive, which means it can periodically be used in the mouth to help scrub stains away. While an abrasive like baking soda should not be used every day, it can safely be used a few times a week to fight stains and help whiten teeth.
For a simple home-remedy, mix about a teaspoon of baking soda with a few teaspoons of water and gently brush your teeth as you normally would!
For more tips and tricks on cosmetic dentistry in Greeley, CO, call our dental office today at (970) 356-5277.