Tips to Maintain White Teeth

Many people love white teeth, but not everyone knows how to keep their teeth white. Even if you currently have white teeth, they might discolor if you don’t maintain them. Below are some tips to help you keep your teeth white.

Maintain Dental Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene can discolor your teeth. Here are some tips to keep your teeth clean and white.

Brush Everyday

Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Brush for at least two minutes to ensure all teeth surfaces are clean. Toothbrushes lose their effectiveness over time. Change your brush every three to four months to maintain its effectiveness.

Floss Daily

Brushing alone won’t keep your teeth clean. Floss at least once a day to get rid of germs or food remains between the teeth.

Regular Dental Cleanings

Despite your best efforts, your dental hygiene efforts are not enough to keep your teeth perfectly clean. Get regular professional cleanings from your dentist to remove stubborn plaque or tartar that might discolor your teeth.

Choose the Right Restorations

Teeth discoloration can be a side effect of dental restorations. Restorations, such as dental crowns, fillings, or bridges, which contain silver sulfide, can stain your teeth dark brown or black. Ask your dentist for alternative materials, such as composite, which doesn’t discolor the teeth.

Avoid Tobacco

Chewing or smoking tobacco can discolor your teeth. The chemicals in tobacco, such as tar and nicotine, trigger discoloration. Avoid tobacco in all its forms to maintain white teeth.

Prevent Acidic Erosion

Teeth discolor when staining agents (such as colored food and drinks) penetrate the enamel, which is the outermost layer of the tooth. Enamel erosion increases the risk of discoloration because it increases the depth of penetration of staining agents. Take these measures to minimize enamel erosion:

• Limit intake of acidic fruits and drinks
• Rinse your mouth with water every time you consume an acidic food or drink
• Don’t brush your teeth immediately after you eat acidic food
• Don’t brush your teeth immediately after you throw up (stomach contents are acidic)
• Don’t chew on hard objects
• Manage bruxism (chronic teeth clenching and grinding)

Bacteria also cause enamel erosion when they feed on sugary remains of starch in the mouth. Thus, anything that controls oral bacteria also prevents dental staining.

Prevent Dental Trauma

Dental trauma can lead to discoloration if it causes damage and bleeding to the tissues inside the teeth. Over time, the dead tissues and dried blood will show through the enamel as discolored patches. Here are a few tips to help you prevent dental trauma:

• Use mouth guards during contacts sports or anytime you risk a blow to the teeth
• Wear a helmet when riding a bike
• Engage in regular physical exercise to improve balance and postural stability

If you do experience dental trauma, consult a dentist for early treatment to avoid complications.

Stay Healthy

Your overall health affects your teeth color. For example, your teeth might discolor if:

• You take medication, such as some antibiotics, that stain your teeth
• You develop dental infections or carries
• Diseases weaken your teeth’s enamel

Maintain good health to minimize the risk of dental staining. To maintain good health, you need to:

• Eat a healthy diet
• Get regular medical checkups
• Engage in regular physical exercise

If you develop ill health, seek prompt medical care before the disease affects other parts of the body. Ask your doctor for side effects of all medications you plan to take.

Apollo Dental can help you prevent dental problems, including dental discoloration. You should also not despair if your teeth already have stains. We have various teeth whitening treatments to help you whiten your teeth. Contact us today for an appointment so that we can help you maintain white and healthy teeth.