We all want that set of picture-perfect, healthy, white teeth. Good news is there are ways and habits that will make your teeth whiter apart from the professional teeth whitening from your favorite dentist. Here are the effective habits that will help make your teeth whiter.

• Use a straw

You may think that a straw has little to no impact on your dental hygiene. However, if you used to drink colorful and acidic beverages, then using a straw can make a huge impact on your teeth. When you drink coffee and other beverages straight from the glass or bottle, the tooth-staining fluid will pass through most of your teeth and tongue; thus, staining them. If you can’t entirely avoid these beverages, you can indulge yourself in drinking them occasionally using a straw so that the fluids won’t likely touch the front of your teeth and land directly on your tongue. 

• Chew gum

According to the American Dental Association, chewing a sugar-free gum after drinking or eating acidic foods can help prevent teeth staining and bad breath. Chewing gum stimulates your gland to produce more saliva. The saliva will then help wash the residues from the foods and beverages you consumed away from your mouth. In fact, it is more recommended to chew gum immediately after drinking or eating than brushing since it is gentler to your teeth. 

• Healthy diet

The main culprit to teeth stains are the acidic foods and beverages — soda, coffee, tomato juice, red wine, tea,— that you consume. It is important to limit the intake of these stain-causing foods. Instead, focus on foods that are healthy and can clean up stains on your teeth. Foods like apples, celery and carrots act as a self cleaner for stains and remove leftover foods from your teeth. Apart from that, they also stimulate saliva production which helps neutralize the acids in your mouth. 

• Get a tongue-scraper

Make it a habit also to clean your tongue with a tongue scraper. Plaque and bacteria can build up on your tongue too and scraping it will make sure that they won’t redeposit on your teeth. You can scrape your tongue every morning or include it on your dental hygiene.

• Replace your toothbrush regularly

It is recommended to change your toothbrush every 3-4 months. However, if you notice that the bristles on your toothbrush are getting worn down, then get a new toothbrush right away since it will no longer be able to clean your teeth efficiently. 

Finally, pay your dentist a visit regularly and honor your routine dental checkup. During this time, your dentist can assess your oral health, address any dental issues that you may have, and get your teeth cleaned and whitened. Come see us at RenovaSmiles for all your dental needs.