Tips for Maintaining Brilliantly White Teeth

Over time our teeth can lose their brightness. The foods we eat and drinks we drink as well as bad habits, such as smoking, can cause staining. However, all hope is not lost because there are a variety of things we can do to restore our teeth to their white state.

Teeth Whitening Strips
If superficial yellowing is your problem, these strips may be your answer. You can find them at a variety of stores, and they are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. All you have to do is follow the directions. Once you complete the treatment, you should notice some positive difference in the color of your teeth. These products are safe for most people, but make sure to read the safety warnings before using, because they are not for everyone. They will also not work for every type of stain. These strips can also cause some temporary teeth sensitivity. I use these twice a year, or every six months. During treatment, my teeth are more sensitive than normal. I do, however, have naturally sensitive teeth, too.

Baking Soda
This is something I personally use. It certainly does not taste the best, so I add it to my toothpaste every other day. What I do is put my toothpaste of choice on my brush and then dip it into some baking soda. I then brush as normal, floss and use my mouthwash. I drink a little too much coffee, and my teeth are quite white, so I fully believe in baking soda helping this.

Keep Up Your Daily Maintenance
Most folks only think of add-on treatments and sometimes forget about the basics. To keep your teeth white, you should be brushing twice a day and flossing once a day at minimum. I personally brush at least three times a day and floss every time I brush. I also use mouthwash every time. My twice yearly dental checkups are always great and my teeth are bright and white.

See Your Dentist
You should aim to see your dentist twice a year, but if you can only go once, that is better than not going at all. During your visit, get your cleaning, exam and X-rays. This will help you keep your teeth healthy, and healthy teeth are white teeth. You can also talk to your dentist about better whitening treatments for those deeper, harder to remove stains and discolorings. Your dentist can also help you learn about the best over-the-counter and natural teeth whitening treatments that are available.

Sources:

WebMD: Tips to Keep Your Teeth White