Need the confidence to show off those pearly whites more frequently? We’re right there with you – we all want a bright white smile but getting there can be a struggle. Cracking the code for a perfect smile may not be as difficult as you imagine, though. Leading dentist Mervyn Druian says, “A good dental regime and using the right products is key to age-protect your mouth, and keep your smile looking young and healthy.” We’ve spoken to several dentists and oral health professionals for some helpful tips on how to better our smiles and make them healthier. Below are our top ten tips on how to avoid unflattering stains and keep those teeth strong and bright.
1. Stop gulping down that coffee – You can avoid wearing down tooth enamel if you drink acidic drinks such as coffee, orange juice, and wine through a straw. If tooth enamel is over-eroded, your teeth become more sensitive, making it difficult to eat certain foods. Drinks like red wine and black tea also have high tannin content, meaning that the drink dries out the mouth and makes teeth sticky. So, savor that succulent red vino next time and enjoy it with a straw to protect your teeth.
2. Always brush but watch your timing – One dentist recommends having a drink of water after consuming teeth-staining beverages, but only after an hour since drinking. When you do brush, your toothpaste should eliminate bacteria and plaque, creating a protective enamel shield. Try out the UltraDEX Recalcifying and Whitening Toothpaste and Oral Rinse for protecting your teeth and gums.
3. Be gentle with your mouth – Brushing vigorously does not mean your teeth will get whiter faster. Brush gently in a circular motion twice a day to avoid gum recession, which is when your gums recede and pull away from your teeth. This exposes the tooth’s root, making the teeth more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Take up flossing and remember to rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash. Using toothbrushes with ultra-soft bristles is also healthier than using a hard-bristled one.
4. Stop chomping away at ice – It might be nice on a hot day, but chewing ice and other hard foods are more likely to cause cracks on the surface of your teeth. Consult a dentist if your teeth are already showing signs of wear and tear. If you’re on the lookout for products that will help, the UltraDEX Recalcifying and Whitening range can rebuild tooth surfaces and fill in microscopic enamel cracks to strengthen, smooth, and brighten teeth. Eating very hot and very cold foods at the same time also puts distress on your teeth, so maybe rethink that combo of ice cream and coffee next time.
5. Keep the pen away – Avoid putting pens or any other foreign objects in your mouth. Making this germy act a habit can contribute to gum recession. Also, do you know where that pen was last?
6. Give your mouth a break once in a while – Too much of anything is never good, and this even counts towards oral hygiene. Although it’s great to floss regularly, take a break from it every now and then to help prevent receding gums.
7. Look into natural ways to whiten – Store-bought methods come in shiny packaging, but wouldn’t you much rather whiten your teeth with the help of food? Although fruit has natural acidity, having apples, green grapes, and bananas are a good start to whitening your teeth. Berries such as blackberries, blueberries, and cherries are highly capable of staining so eat those sparingly. According to the experts at Luster Pro Light, the trick is to opt for fruits that don’t stain your hands when handling them. Keep everything in moderation, though – even non-bright foods can promote teeth staining and soften enamel.
8. Try to keep away from snacks – After your lunch break, avoid eating or drinking for a few hours. You should also stick to drinking juice, tea, and other acidic drinks at meal times only. Doing this will slow down gum recession. As always, watch the acidity in drinks – in white wine, the acid allows other food’s staining to penetrate more deeply.
9. Don’t smoke – Despite the obvious health risks, smoking tobacco will do severe damage to your teeth. The nicotine and tar in tobacco turn teeth yellow very quickly. Longtime smokers have even reported that their teeth are practically brown after years of smoking.
10. The dentist is your friend – Ultimately, if you need some more specific help with your teeth, whether it be decay or gum problems, then it’s time to visit the dentist. Maintain regular appointments and stick to a thorough oral hygiene routine.
Here’s hoping your smile shines through!
via Featured Articles http://www.womensfitness.co.uk/health/1419/top-10-tips-for-healthy-teeth
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