In addition to general dentistry visits, many people wonder how they can achieve the smile they are looking for at home. Teeth whitening is one of the cosmetic treatments that is requested most often, and there is a variety of methods to keep your teeth white between trips to the dentist. Below are steps you can take to keep your teeth white.

How to Make Sure Teeth Stay White

1. Practice Oral Hygiene

Remembering to practice positive oral hygiene every day is one of the most important steps you can take to keep your teeth white. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. Try to brush your teeth for two minutes or longer. 

To really help your teeth stay white, brush after every meal. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush so that you don’t damage the enamel on your teeth. Also, use an antiseptic mouthwash once a day to remove bacteria that stick to your teeth. 

2. Eat a Balanced Diet

Anything with a lot of starch or sugar in it can damage teeth. This includes candy, soda, and potato chips. These foods can cause plaque to build up, which is a sticky film that attaches to teeth and contains bacteria. It leads to harmful acid in your mouth, which removes protective enamel. Without protection, teeth stain more easily.

On the other hand, dairy products like cheese, milk, and plain yogurt repair enamel because they contain calcium and other healthy nutrients. Green and black tea are beneficial for teeth because they contain polyphenols that kill bacteria. Fruit and vegetables that are rich in fiber help to clean teeth and lead to saliva production, which cleans your mouth naturally.

3. Visit Your Dentist Often

Try to make regular visits to a general dentistry clinic that can take care of your overall oral wellbeing. This includes keeping your teeth and gums healthy as well as providing teeth-whitening treatments. It’s best to make an appointment every six months. Professional cleaning will remove plaque that’s difficult to remove at home. You might also need a whitening touch-up treatment once or twice a year.

4. Avoid Objects That Stain

Products like coffee, red wine, and tobacco stain teeth badly after frequent consumption or use. Smoking causes teeth to become yellow and discolored and also leads to extra plaque. Drinks like wine and coffee should be consumed in moderation, and you can limit the negative effects by cleaning your teeth after drinking. Using a straw for coffee and dark liquids will help because it will allow most of the liquid to bypass your front teeth.

Your dentist can help you to get perfect white teeth and also advise you on how to keep them white. David J. Novak, DDS, PA, in High Point, NC, offers affordable general dentistry services that include restorative and cosmetic procedures. Having served the community since 1983, they are trusted to provide reliable and friendly service in their state-of-the-art facility. To schedule an appointment, call (336) 884-1833 or visit their website.