William Arthur Ward once said, “A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.”

Your smile is the first thing people notice!. A beautiful glowing smile shows how confident and approachable you are. When you smile, everyone notices your teeth. Here are some tips to help you get that brighter smile!

1) Create a Brushing Routine

It’s a good habit to create a daily brushing routine for yourself. Brushing your teeth removes plaque and bacteria that causes decay.

  • Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes (your mouth has four quadrants so spend 30 seconds per quadrant)
  • Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle against your gums.
  • Brush two or three teeth at a time in a circular motion for approx. 10 secs and then move on to the next teeth.
  • Use a toothpaste that has the CDA seal of acceptance with fluoride.
  • Replace your brush every 3-4 months with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

2) Choose the Right Toothpaste

Brushing with the right type of toothpaste is always the most basic way of whitening your teeth at home. Fluoride is an essential ingredient to look for when buying a toothpaste. This mineral helps in strengthening and nourishing the tooth enamel as well as protecting it from cavities, enamel erosion, and decay. There are many types of toothpastes available in the market – desensitizing, tartar control, whitening, and gum toothpaste. Make sure you consult your dentist before purchasing any type of toothpaste if you aren’t sure about the right type for you.

3) Don’t Forget to Floss and Use Mouthwash

Flossing can help you improve your white smile, as well as keep your gums healthy. It rids your mouth of any food or bacteria stuck in hard-to-reach areas between teeth. Regular flossing helps to prevent cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and more. There are many different kinds of flosses available that may be better suited for your teeth. Ask your hygienist for any recommendations to assist you with regular brushing and flossing.

Mouthwashes can also give you fresh breath and are an important part of oral care. Just like toothpaste, mouthwashes have fluoride and can also be useful in preventing dry mouth. Mouthwashes do not replace brushing or flossing and must be used in combination for good oral health.

4) Smile, Don’t Smoke

If you are a habitual smoker and want whiter teeth, you will have to give up on smoking or at least limit it. Nicotine and tar in tobacco are easily absorbed into the pores of your teeth, thus causing yellow staining or brown discoloration. Although nicotine is colorless, when combined with oxygen, it turns yellow. Likewise, you must also avoid or reduce the use of e-cigarettes that use e-juices. Tobacco stains on teeth are often difficult to remove because they have formed over years of smoking. Consult with your dentist on what is needed to remove this stubborn stain from your teeth.

5) Prevent Enamel Loss

The most direct cause of yellow teeth is thinning of tooth enamel. Enamel is the hard, glossy, white layer that makes up the outer surface of your teeth. Beneath this surface is the inner layer of the teeth called dentin, which is actually yellowish in color. When your enamel is damaged, the dentin beneath becomes more visible, leaving your teeth looking yellow. Dental injuries and fractures are common threats to your dental enamel. Teeth grinding can also cause damage to your enamel. Consult your dentist to know the core issue of your yellow teeth and get the best solution to this problem.

6) Watch Your Diet

Too much sugary food or drinks can spell bad news for your teeth even if they taste good. Foods and drinks such as cakes, candies, ice creams, coffee, tea, red wine, and sodas are known to stain your teeth. Therefore, limit the consumption of such foods and beverages. Eat foods that will protect your teeth. Avoid having junk food and aim for a balanced diet that includes a lot of vegetables, grains, eggs, meats, and fruits. The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants present in these foods help to protect your teeth and gums. Having crunchy vegetables and fruits like celery, carrots, apples, cucumbers, etc. help to scrub away plaque naturally to create a healthier looking smile.

7) Drink a Lot of Water

Water hydrates the body so the organs can function more efficiently. Drinking water can not only wash away food particles from the mouth but it also keeps your mouth moist. A dry mouth can easily encourage bacterial growth so drink up to 8 cups of water daily.

8) Visit Your Dentist

Along with good oral home care it is recommended by the Canadian Dental Association to see your dentist every 4-6 months to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. Your hygienist will be able to clean your teeth and remove any plaque or hardened calculus buildup that can cause dental and gum issues. The dentist provides reliable preventive measures that will guarantee good oral health. Treatment such as dental cleaning, teeth whitening, fluoride application, and dental sealants keep your teeth and gums in good shape. Regular visits to your dentist will ensure that early stages of dental concerns are caught in time.

Remember that prevention is always the key to keeping your smile beautiful and bright. A healthy mouth is part of a healthy body!

Posted in Clinical Advice and Oral Health Tips