If you want a bright, sparkling smile, teeth whitening treatments can help you achieve it. Between those treatments and biannual dentist appointments, you should also watch what you eat to avoid stains and discoloration. Below are a few ways to adjust your diet to protect your smile.

Do:

Eat crunchy fruits & veggies.

Fruits and vegetables that require a lot of chewing will clean plaque off your teeth as you eat. This helps you avoid the yellowish buildup of plaque and tartar while reducing your risk of dental decay.

Drink water.

Water dilutes the food residue and acids in your mouth that stain and damage teeth. Try to fit in eight 8 oz. glasses of water every day to rinse away any lingering bacteria.

Include minerals.

To keep your dental enamel strong, your body needs minerals like calcium and fluoride. Without them, your enamel can wear away, revealing the darker dentin underneath. To get the minerals you need, eat leafy greens, brush with fluoride toothpaste, and ask your dentist for fluoride treatments.

Don't:

Drink too much soda.

Soda is not good for your teeth. Not only is it full of sugar, but the acidity and carbonation wear away your enamel, and the food coloring can stain your pearly whites. If you must drink soda, it's best to use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth, and rinse your mouth with water afterward.

Overuse coffee, tea, & wine.

All these drinks are full of tannins, chemicals that stain and darken teeth. Limit your daily intake, and use a straw whenever possible. Also, choose white wine over red; while it can still stain, the lighter color is less noticeable.

Eat brightly colored foods.

Beets, berries, tomato sauce, and curry can all leave their mark on your enamel. Also watch out for dyed foods, especially around the holidays when red or green baked goods are more common.

If you need a dentist's help brightening your smile, schedule an appointment with Genovese Dental in Cottleville, MO. For over 30 years, they have offered quality care and professional oral hygiene services for St. Charles County clients. They accept most major insurance policies, and they provide monthly payment plans if needed. To make an appointment with the dentist, call (636) 928-4090, and visit them online to learn more about their practice.