Maintaining a brilliantly white smile is something that many people aspire to do. But that requires more than just brushing regularly. You also need to avoid developing stains in the first place. Before you head to the dentist for a teeth whitening treatment, here are some steps to take at home. 

Do:

Add floss to your routine.

Floss at least once a day to protect your gums from diseases like gingivitis. When gum health is affected, the resulting buildup of plaque can appear yellow. The more you floss, the less likely you are to deal with this problem.

Eat the right foods.

Eating healthy has more benefits than you may realize. Some of the most beloved fruits and vegetables in the world also have teeth whitening advantages!

For example, crunchy snacks like carrots and celery require lots of chewing, which encourages natural saliva production that helps clean the mouth. That will help rinse out your teeth, while the crunchy element serves as “nature’s toothbrush.”

Don’t:

Consume staining foods.

Tea, coffee, red wine, and soda are all known to leave stains on teeth. The same applies to dark foods like beets, soy sauce, and ketchup. If you do consume these, use a straw to drink beverages, and rinse your mouth with water afterward.

Skip dental visits.

You can do everything right, but you still need to visit your dentist regularly. Cleaning maintains a healthy mouth, and if you wish to use teeth whitening treatments, your gums must be healthy before you proceed.

Your dental care provider can also offer the right option for your mouth. For example, they may suggest you use a whitening toothpaste to minimize stains before you try anything else.

Patients throughout Waikiki who seek a brighter smile trust in Stephen R. Ho, DDS. The dentist provides comprehensive care, including teeth whitening, gum disease treatments, and porcelain veneers. The office proudly boasts an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau®. Visit the website to find out more about how they can help you, or call (808) 949-4288 to schedule an appointment.