If you’re looking for a brighter, healthier smile that radiates confidence and makes you proud to show off your pearly whites, this blog post is here to help. We’ve spoken with experienced dentists from around the country to get their expert advice on how best to achieve a dazzling smile. From simple lifestyle adjustments such as cutting out sugary drinks and switching up your oral hygiene routine, all the way through more involved strategies such as professional teeth whitening treatments, read on for 10 top tips from real-life practitioners about how to set yourself up for success in achieving that shining smile of your dreams. 

1. Cut out sugary drinks: Just as sugar can cause cavities and gum disease, it also has the potential to discolor your teeth. To keep them looking their whitest, try avoiding sugary drinks like soda and juice in favor of water or unsweetened tea. This simple change can have a huge impact on the overall brightness of your smile!
2. Use baking soda to brush twice weekly: Baking soda is an effective yet gentle abrasive that can help lift away surface staining from your teeth. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and just a pinch of baking soda mixed with regular toothpaste, aim to brush your teeth twice a week for the best results. 
3. Floss, floss and floss: While brushing your teeth is an essential part of oral hygiene, it doesn’t quite do the whole job. Flossing removes food particles that get trapped between your teeth and helps prevent bacteria build up in hard-to-reach places. Doing so regularly can make all the difference in keeping your teeth looking their best.
4. Use a whitening toothpaste: Whitening toothpastes contain special abrasives that help to remove surface stains on the enamel of the teeth, helping you to achieve a brighter smile without resorting to professional treatment. 
5. Cut back on acidic foods & drinks: Acidic substances like fruit juices or soft drinks can erode away at tooth enamel and make them look duller in the long term. To prevent this, try to cut back on your consumption of such drinks and opt for alternatives like water or tea instead. 
6. Avoid smoking: If you’re a smoker, it’s critical that you stop if you want to keep your teeth looking their whitest. The tar and nicotine present in cigarettes can cause yellowing over time, which is near impossible to reverse without professional treatment. 
7. Try oil pulling: A traditional Indian remedy, oil pulling involves swishing around a tablespoon of coconut or sesame oil in the mouth for 15-20 minutes each day. Doing so helps break down bacteria and remove surface stains, resulting in brighter teeth with regular use.  
8. Rinse with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is naturally acidic, so it’s important to dilute it before use. But when mixed in equal parts with water and used as a mouthwash, it can be very effective at removing bacteria and surface stains from the teeth. 
9. Try professional whitening treatments: If you’re serious about achieving a brighter smile, professional whitening treatments are your best bet. Your dentist will be able to advise on the best type of treatment for your particular set of teeth, whether that be laser whitening or something else – just make sure you follow their instructions carefully for the best results. 
10. Invest in regular dental check-ups: Last but not least, ensure that you’re keeping up with regular dental visits to maintain your teeth in top condition. Your dentist is the best person to identify any potential issues and offer advice on how to keep your smile looking its brightest for years to come! 

At the end of the day, everyone’s teeth are different, so it’s important to listen to your dentist and try out a variety of methods until you find what works best for you. With a little bit of effort and expert advice, achieving a brighter smile can be easy and achievable! If you’re still unsure of which tips apply best to your lifestyle or needs then make sure to contact us today at Renova Smiles. We offer a variety of dental services to make your smile brighter and healthier. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!