What can we do to keep our Teeth White?

When it comes to having a brilliant, white smile, many people want to know the secret. Our teeth are easily stained over time due to everything we eat, drink and do, but there are plenty of things we can do to keep those pearly whites white — as white as they can be, anyway. Here’s your one-stop guide to getting — and keeping — that bright smile:

1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is the foundation of a healthy, white smile. Here’s what you should do:

Brushing

• Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day: Use flouride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush and brush your teeth for at least two minutes each time.
  
  

• Use Whitening Toothpaste: Though they can’t alter the inherent shade of your teeth overnight, they can allow you to remove surface stains and additionally prevent new stains from forming.

Flossing

• Floss Daily: Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and just below the gum line. Not flossing can result in plaque being built up between the teeth and make your teeth look yellow.

Rinsing

• Use Mouthwash: Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash daily to kill bacteria that cause plaque and bad breath. Additionally, some mouthwashes contain teeth-whitening agents to help maintain a bright smile.

2. Be Mindful of What You Eat and Drink

What we eat has a big impact on the color of our teeth. Some foods and drinks are notorious for staining teeth, and others can help keep them white.

Foods and Beverages to Avoid

• Coffee and Tea: Coffee and Tea Popular sources of tannins, which may lead to staining. So try and limit your intake or rinse your mouth with water after consuming them.
  
  

• Red Wine: Red wine is another leading offender because of its phenolic compounds and tannins.
  
  

• Soda and Sugary Drinks: These can stain teeth, and their high sugar content can contribute to tooth decay.
  
  

• Dark-colored Fruits and Vegetables: Foods with deep colors, including berries, green leafy vegetables, beets and dark sauces can also contribute to staining. Just eat them in moderation, and rinse your mouth after.

Teeth-Friendly Foods

• Dairy Products: Cheese, milk and yogurt help to strengthen tooth enamel and keep your teeth white.
  
  

• Fruits and Vegetables: Firm crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots and celery can help scrub your teeth while you chew.

3. Quit Smoking

Smoking is also very bad for your overall health but it leads to deep teeth staining. It takes tar and nicotine in cigarettes, which leads to stubborn yellow stains that are also hard to get out. Giving up smoking can also drastically improve the color of your teeth and is one of the best things you could do for the health of your mouth and body.

4. Regular Dental Visits

Getting regular dental check-ups and cleaning done regularly is the only way that you can ensure white teeth. Your dentist can scrape away plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing don’t reach. Professional cleanings can also polish your teeth so they stay bright.

5. Teeth Whitening Treatments

If you’re looking for more dramatic results, there are several teeth whitening options available:

Professional Whitening

• In-office Whitening: This procedure, conducted by a dentist, involves using a high-concentration bleaching gel. It can make your teeth several shades whiter in just one visit.
  
  

• Take-home Whitening Kits: These are custom-made trays with whitening gel that you wear for a certain period each day. They offer a more gradual whitening process compared to in-office treatments.

Over-the-counter Whitening

• Whitening Strips: These are thin, flexible strips coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel that you apply to your teeth.
  
  

• Whitening Gels and Pens: These are applied directly to the teeth with a small brush or pen.
  
  

• Whitening Toothpaste and Mouthwash: These products contain mild abrasives or low concentrations of bleaching agents to help remove surface stains.

6. Natural Remedies

Others prefer to use natural approaches for whitening the teeth. These are less effective than the professional options, but sometimes they prove a little useful:

• Baking Soda: As a gentle abrasive, you can use baking soda to help scrub away stains. Mix a little of it with water to form a paste and brush your teeth with it once or twice weekly.
  
  

• Hydrogen Peroxide: This mild bleach can help whiten teeth. You may use it as a mouthwash with an equal volume of water or combine it with baking soda for the creation of a paste.
  
  

• Apple Cider Vinegar: The stain-removing property is due to the acidity, but one should not use it full-strength and undiluted as this will hurt the enamel; rather, it should be mixed with water.

7. Avoid Staining Habits

Being aware of habits that can stain your teeth is crucial:

• Using Tobacco Products: Apart from smoking, chewing tobacco discolors teeth.
  
  

• Bad Oral Hygiene: Not brushing and flossing consistently can lead to plaque accumulation and staining.
  
  

• Ignoring Stained Teeth: Always remove stains as soon as possible either by brushing or rinsing the mouth right after any activity that may cause staining.

If you incorporate these practices into your routine, you will be able to maintain a healthy, white smile. Keep in mind, unlike the best toothbrushes for between your teeth, "an overall healthy lifestyle and good oral hygiene will really help," he notes. If you're not sure what methods you should use — it's always advisable to consult with your dentist for personalized advice.