What’s one of the first things people notice about another person? It’s often their smile. It can say a lot about a person. A bright white smile is infectious. Having a white smile can also improve confidence and make you look younger. And let’s be honest… who doesn’t love that. I know we do! It’s no surprise that teeth whitening is a common way to improve your smile and maintain a beautiful set of white teeth. We’ve seen a rise in patients looking for this solution. That’s why we continue to see more people in Toronto option for ZOOM teeth whitening. It’s cost effective, efficient and can deliver results.
Forces working against your white smile
Getting and maintaining a bright white smile can be difficult. Both time and age can have a negative impact on your pearly whites. That once beautifully white smile you had as a child or teenager begins to fade. This is often due to our everyday intake of foods and drinks that can cause stains, deterioration and discolouration. We sometimes don’t think about what might be causing damage to our teeth and white smile on a daily basis. But let’s take a closer look at some common stair culprits that are working against the white smile that you’re so proud of:
- Both (that’s right… both) red and white wine.
- Coffee and teas
- Carbonated soft drinks, sports and energy drinks and juices that are high in sugar.
- Candies and gum.
- Strong colour sauces such as soya and your favourite tomato sauce.
- Certain fruits like strawberries, blueberries and cranberries.
- Antibacterial mouthwashes that contain certain ingredients.
How to maintain your white smile
While this list may seem extensive, it’s not a losing battle. While a strong oral health routine that consists of teeth brushing, flossing, teeth whitening and regular dental visits is vital to maintaining a white smile, there are certain foods that have been found to have pro-whitening characteristics.
Try to get some of these pro-whitening foods into your diet to help you keep that bright, white smile:
- Fruits like apples, pears and pineapple
- Cheese
- Fibrous green vegetables
- Water
- Seeds and nuts
What to remember
Foods that are low in pH or high in acidity can have negative impacts on your white smile. These types of foods can weaken your enamel, increase your risk of cavities, and work against your beautiful white smile.
Have a choice? Choose foods that are low in acid.
Tips to combat stains and maintain your white smile
While brushing, flossing and regular dental checks and cleanings are crucial to your overall oral health, there are some simple ways that you can combat stains and help maintain a white smile that oozes confidence. This includes:
- Thirsty? Choose water over sugar drinks. If you can, opt for a no-sugar added beverage.
- Fluids that might contain sugar or high acid levels will have a negative impact on your white smile when it comes in contact with your teeth. Try using a straw. This can help reduce the contact that these fluids have with your teeth.
- Sometimes it’s not possible to brush after every time you consume food or drinks. If you don’t have the time, try rinsing your mouth with water.
Next steps
If you have questions about how to maintain your white smile, teeth whitening or oral health in general, visit my website and schedule a consultation OR drop by my Davisville dental office! We can sit down to discuss your how to help you have a whiter, brighter and healthier smile.
And don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Google Plus and Twitter for the latest dental tips, tricks and advice! Can’t wait to see you!
BONUS
When you refer a friend, family member or colleague to our office, you’ll receive a $25 gift card to a favourite local coffee shop!
Simply contact our Davisville dental team directly to make a referral! Now that you know how to combat stains, you can enjoy your coffee or tea to the fullest!