How to Make Your Teeth White

March 4, 2015
white teeth

We all want white, healthy looking teeth, and for good reason. According to research conducted by the Academy of General Dentistry, 96 percent of respondents rate smile as a person's most important characteristic, and four in ten say they notice a person's teeth before anything else. Unfortunately, many people struggle to keep their teeth white, due to daily habits or . If you rank with these people, consider the following teeth whitening tricks.
Avoid Certain Foods
A number of foods and beverages contain acids and tannins that can stain your teeth. Among these include coffee, tea, red wine, dark sodas and dark colored fruit, such as blueberries, cranberries and cherries. Generally, if the food can stain a white cotton shirt, it can also stain your teeth. To minimize problems, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with clean water after eating suspect foods.
Foods that Help
By triggering saliva production, certain foods can help "wash" our teeth as we chew. These include pears, apples, celery and carrots. Studies suggest that chewing sugarless gum can also improve the appearance of teeth and ward off tooth decay.
Quit Smoking
There are countless reasons to quit smoking, including yellow teeth associated with tobacco stains. If you're looking for another reason to ditch your tobacco habit, a healthier, whiter smile is a good place to start.
DIY Home Whitening
You can combat minor yellow stains using various at-home tooth-whitening products, including kits, strips and toothpastes. Most of these take a couple of weeks to work; however, they generally prove effective unless you have deep stains, which may require professional attention.
Bleaching
Dentists use carbamide peroxide to bleach deep stains and change the natural tooth color of yellowish teeth. These days, you can purchase similar products
and use them at home. That said, because these products can sometimes promote tooth sensitivity, it's always best to visit the dentist first to make sure you're a good candidate for this sort of aggressive treatment.
Regular Care
Many people are surprised to learn that regular brushing and flossing can have a huge impact on the color of teeth, especially if you commit to brushing after consuming stain-causing foods. You should also see a dental professional at least once a year for a thorough cleaning.

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