Things You Can Do To Help Your Teeth Look Their Whitest

It can be difficult to feel confident when your teeth are discolored. Many people associate white teeth with a healthy, attractive smile. 

Nevertheless, if you suffer from dental discoloration, there are measures that you can take to help your teeth look their whitest. Here are a few of them.

Have Regular Dental Cleanings

Even if your teeth are healthy, you should still visit your dentist at least twice a year to have them examined and professionally cleaned. During a dental cleaning, the dentist scrapes tartar from your teeth.

Tartar is plaque that has been left undisturbed long enough to harden into place. It often builds up along the gum line and can discolor the teeth.

Tartar is not white. Instead, it has a yellow hue. Additionally, the substance is porous, so it can absorb colorants from the foods and drinks that you consume, causing additional discoloration.

Once the tartar has been scraped away, the smooth tooth enamel that it covered is revealed. 

Rinse Your Mouth Immediately After Consuming Dark Substances

Sometimes, just by looking at a food or drink, you can tell that it will stain your teeth. Often, substances that cause significant dental staining are deeply colored due to natural pigments or added colorants..  

The same pigments that give an item its deep hue can accumulate within the pores of your tooth enamel. Over time, your teeth become progressively darker. 

To discourage the buildup of pigments, you can dilute the colorants by rinsing your mouth with water. You should be sure to rinse immediately after you consume a dark substance to allow less time for the pigments to be absorbed by the teeth.

Stop Using Tobacco Products

Tobacco products, such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco, contain deep natural pigments that discolor the teeth. The brown staining that results from tobacco usage can be quite severe and may require a dental bleaching product for removal.

Like food-based stains, tobacco stains on the teeth are cumulative. Thus, to prevent the progression of tobacco stains on your tooth enamel, it is best to stop using tobacco products. 

If you find it hard to stop your tobacco habit, speak with your dentist about your concerns. They may be able to prescribe medications that can help you overcome your tobacco usage more easily.

If your teeth are discolored and you would like to have them whitened, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area.