A white smile looks clean and healthy, so you want to do everything you can to avoid stains. Luckily, you can prevent staining by making a few simple changes to your routine. In addition to visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings, the following strategies can help you maintain white teeth.

4 Ways to Maintain a White Smile

1. Practice Great Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene can increase your risk of dental decay, which causes yellow plaque and tartar to accumulate on your teeth. By brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, you can keep your smile healthy and bright. If your teeth have been looking discolored lately, ask your dentist to recommend a whitening toothpaste.

2. Limit Foods & Beverages That Cause Stains

What you eat and drink can make a big difference in how white your smile looks. Darker foods and beverages, like coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and pasta, can discolor your teeth after regular consumption. If you still want to consume these foods and beverages on occasion, remember to rinse your mouth out with water afterward. 

3. Eat More Crunchy Fruits & Vegetables

If you desire a whiter smile, dentists recommend including more crunchy fruits and veggies, like apples, celery, and carrots, in your diet. They have an abrasive texture and can scrub food particles and stains off the surfaces of your teeth.

4. Stop Smoking

If you smoke tobacco, you have one more reason to quit. Tar and other chemicals found in cigarettes can cause dark stains and yellowing on your teeth. By quitting smoking, you can improve the look of your smile and avoid numerous health issues.

If you are struggling with achieving a whiter smile, turn to Wayne S. Maris, DDS, P.C. in Fitzgerald, GA. The dentist has more than 45 years of experience in the field and provides at-home bleach kits to whiten teeth. He also provides many other general and cosmetic dentistry services, including routine cleanings and veneers, and treats every patient like family. For more information about their services, call (229) 423-9237 or visit their website.