Three Ways to get a Whiter Smile

The season most closely associated with the colour white is just around the corner. Though the cold and snow are often preceded by dread, they also mark a season full of family, celebration, and photos. Everyone wants a clean set of pearly whites, so here’s how you can get exactly that this winter!

Foods to Avoid

Your dietary choices have major impacts on all aspects of your health and your smile is no exception. Getting a whiter smile starts with what you eat. For example, foods that are heavily coloured can stain teeth and leave residues that are difficult to brush off. If allowed to sit and fester, these residues can accelerate the buildup of dental plaque. Plaque can then harden into tartar, which will need to be removed by a Calgary dentist. Acidic food and drink are damaging to tooth enamel, which is the white surface layer that covers your tooth and blocks the yellow dentin underneath from showing. For example, if you’ve just finished enjoying a refreshing glass of orange juice, do your teeth a favour and give your mouth a quick swish with water to help wash away the citric acids. Finally, consuming a lot of sugar will increase the rate of tooth decay by causing populations of bad bacteria in your mouth to skyrocket. These bacteria contribute to the development of plaque.

Professional Whitening

The internet is a marvelous place, and a quick search will yield dozens upon dozens of homemade remedies that swear to whiten your teeth. While some of them do have some level of merit and may be mildly effective, your mileage may vary from the next person’s. Therefore, the best way to see consistent results is to speak to a professional Calgary dentist on the matter. Commercial tooth whitening products can be more effective, but they need to be used properly for the best effect. Again, speaking to your oral health care professional remains the best way to ensure that commercial products are working well for you.

Brush your Teeth

It should go without saying, but brushing your teeth is one of the best ways to keep your teeth white! The removal of dental plaque that has accumulated on the surfaces of teeth helps slow down the rate of tooth enamel decay while also revealing their natural whiteness. Using a fluoride-enriched toothpaste also helps by replenishing lost minerals  and rebuilding enamel.

Tooth whitening can seem like an audacious task, but take it in small steps, and it can be done! Knowing where to start is the most important first step. Still have questions? The friendly Calgary dentists at Centennial Smiles Dental are more than happy to talk with you about which whitening options are available. Simply give us a call at (587) 317-7959 to set up a consultation!