Three Tips for Keeping Your Smile White

The color of your teeth will easily be one of the most noticeable things about your appearance. To make sure that your teeth stay as white and healthy as possible, these basic care tips should always be followed.

Avoid Using Baking Soda to Whiten Your Teeth

There is a common misconception among some dental patients that baking soda can be an effective whitening agent. While it is true that mixing baking soda with your toothpaste can help to remove shallow surface stains, baking soda can also cause extensive damage to your teeth. This occurs because the baking-soda particles are extremely abrasive, and this will allow them to damage the enamel of your teeth. Once the enamel is damaged, your teeth will be more susceptible to both staining and cavities. These disadvantages coupled with the limited effectiveness of baking soda make it a poor substitute for a professional whitening treatment.

Thoroughly Clean Your Tongue

When you are brushing your teeth, it can be easy to focus almost exclusively on your teeth. While the teeth are the main benefactors of a brushing, it is also important to clean your tongue. Over the course of a day, large numbers of bacteria will accumulate on the surface of your tongue, and this can allow the bacteria to move to your teeth. These bacteria can contribute to the formation of plaque and tartar, which can lead to yellowing. By thoroughly brushing your tongue and making sure to use a disinfecting mouthwash, you can greatly limit this potential source of staining and decay as well as ensure that your breath is as fresh as possible.

Regularly Change Your Toothbrush

It is an unfortunate reality that many people will go many months without changing their toothbrush. While it may seem like your toothbrush is still effectively cleaning your teeth, it may actually be introducing stain and decay-inducing bacteria into the mouth. Due to this concern, it is generally advised for individuals to replace their toothbrushes at least once a month. Additionally, you should always use a toothbrush cover to limit the bacteria that get on the bristles when you are not using it.

White teeth are a critical factor for anyone's appearance, but many people do not know the steps that they should be taking to preserve the quality of their smiles. Knowing the dangers of using baking soda as a whitening agent, the need to brush your tongue, and the benefits of changing your toothbrush on a monthly basis can help you to keep your smile as beautiful as possible.