How to Have Healthier, Whiter Teeth

You don’t always need to take drastic measures in order to have healthy, white teeth. Here are some simple tips to help you continue to flash those pearly whites:

Start as early as possible. Children should be brushing, flossing, and heading to the dentist from a young age. Not only will you be keeping their teeth healthy and clean, but you will be creating habits that will last a lifetime.

Seal out trouble-making plaque. In some cases, sealants can be applied to molars to block out tooth-decaying plaque. Ask your dentist if this preventative treatment would be right for you.

Remember to brush and floss daily. Daily upkeep is one of the most important things when it comes to dental health. Brush twice a day (morning and night) and floss at least once a day. Clean your tongue while you’re at it!

Protect your teeth. If you play any impact sports, wear a mouthguard! When teeth are injured, they can’t function as they normally would. Protect them as much as possible, and you’ll reap the rewards.

Don’t smoke. This one seems like a no-brainer, but we thought we’d mention it just in case. Smoking is terribly unhealthy, but it can also stain your teeth. While you’re at it, skip other stain-inducing things like dark drinks and snacks.

Eat healthy foods. Sugar isn’t great for you, but it’s especially bad for your teeth. The bacteria in your mouth use simple sugars to create plaque. If you do eat sugary or carb-heavy foods, just remember to rinse your mouth with water as soon as possible.

Sip with a straw. Many drinks like juice and soda are acidic in nature, which means they are not the best match for your tooth enamel. Avoid prolonged contact with these drinks by using a straw. Ideally, you would also limit these drinks as much as possible.

Make regular appointments. Visit your dentist at regular intervals to make sure your teeth are in top shape all year round. If you have any spacing or bite-alignment issues, make sure you visit the orthodontist to have them checked out immediately. Healthy teeth create healthy, beautiful smiles.