Dentists recommend brushing twice and flossing once daily to prevent plaque and bacteria buildup. Although proper oral hygiene wards off cavities and gum disease, your teeth may still become yellow and stained. Keep your smile bright by following these guidelines.

Do:

Alter your diet. 

Tea, coffee, wine, juice, and soda are notorious for staining teeth. Avoid drinking these substances, or sip them through a straw to minimize their contact with the porous enamel.

Acidic foods, such as tomatoes, grapefruit, and lemons, wear down enamel, exposing teeth to additional discoloration from vibrant dishes. The rich colors of pasta sauces and berries can easily stain the vulnerable teeth. Thoroughly brush your teeth and rinse your mouth after consuming these foods, or avoid them entirely.

Schedule cleanings before whitening touch-ups.

Before getting a touch-up from your dentist, schedule an appointment for cleaning. Plaque and tartar buildups can prevent bleaching substances from reaching the tooth surfaces, resulting in uneven or ineffective whitening. During the cleaning, your dentist will identify any decay or cavities and fill them, which keeps whitening chemicals from entering holes in the teeth, hitting the roots, and causing discomfort. 

Don’t: 

Smoke.

Cigarettes contain nicotine and tar that can diminish the sparkling appearance of your natural teeth. Quitting can avoid a yellow smile and reduce the risk of a variety of health problems, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

If it isn’t possible to quit right now, stay on top of your oral hygiene routine. Certain types of toothpaste are specifically made for smokers and contain ingredients like baking soda, coconut oil, and activated charcoal to fight discoloration.

Use the same toothbrush for too long.

Over time, your toothbrush loses its effectiveness. Frayed bristles make it difficult to remove built-up plaque, causing discolored teeth and bad breath. Also, old brushes can harbor bacteria and increase the risk of infections and gingivitis.

Change your toothbrush every three to four months to avoid these problems. You should also switch to a fresh brush after recovering from a cold or flu to minimize the chance of reinfection. 

Improve the appearance of your smile with the teeth whitening services of Littlefield Smiles Dentistry and Orthodontics. Located in Lamb County, TX, this family dentist offers routine cleanings and exams to keep teeth healthy and beautiful. Call (806) 385-6935 to book a whitening consultation with a dentist, or visit the website to learn more about how they can maintain your oral hygiene.