We all strive to have a perfect smile, and this includes having pearly whites. If you are struggling to keep your teeth white and you are unsure of what is causing this in the first place, read on to find out how to retain white teeth throughout your lifetime.
Quit Smoking
One of the biggest factors to discolored teeth is smoking. Cigarettes stain your teeth and can make them look unhealthy. Stopping smoking altogether is the best way to avoid further staining. If you wish to quit, speak to your doctor who may be able to give you some advice. You can also use nicotine substitutes to wean yourself off cigarettes or attend behavior therapy.
Good Dental Hygiene
Ensuring you take the best care of your teeth will prevent discoloration. This means brushing twice daily, using the right toothpaste, and flossing. Brushing your teeth effectively involves using an electric toothbrush and purchasing a toothpaste that is designed to strengthen enamel. The less enamel we have and the weaker it becomes, the more our teeth become discolored. Flossing rids your teeth of the bacteria that brushing cannot reach and visiting your dentist regularly is important too.
Drink Through A Straw
Drinking through a straw protects your teeth from fluids that could discolor them. If you are a big fan of sugary drinks or coffee, this is especially important as these can damage your teeth the most. Although it may feel strange drinking through a straw, doing so means you can still have your favorite beverages with minimal discoloration to your pearly whites. If you do not have a straw at hand, drinking water or milk after something acidic will lessen the eroding effects of these drinks.
Cut Down on Sugar
Although sugar does not stain your teeth, it does cause a build-up of bacteria, which harms your enamel. Once your enamel begins to break, the dentin underneath is exposed. Dentin is a yellow color, which is often what can be seen when your teeth are discolored. Cutting down on sugar can stop this. It’s hard to quit sugar if you are used to consuming a lot of sweet things, but it’s for the best. One way to quit a sugar habit is to replace sugar in hot drinks with sweeteners.
Teeth Whitening
If you do find that your teeth have become discolored, one way to counteract this is to have them whitened. As well as looking after your teeth, having them whitened can rid you of any discoloration that may have occurred over the years. Finding a great dentist that can whiten your teeth and take good care of them before and after is essential. This dental hospital in Bangkok has specialized equipment and expertly trained dentists who can aid you in having a healthier and whiter set of teeth.
Avoiding discoloration in the first place is the best way to keep your teeth white but, unfortunately, this cannot always be helped. Changing your habits and whitening your teeth can lead to a better smile and a happier you.
