Wonderfully White: 3 Tips to Brighten Your Grin

Did you know that healthy teeth are not naturally snow white? The outermost layer is a translucent blue-white shade, but the underlying dentin is more yellow or orange. This is what gives your pearly whites their natural ivory hue.

Despite this, many people long for perfectly bright teeth, and turn to various over-the-counter products or home remedies for help. Unfortunately, these solutions may not get the desired results, some with the potential to harm your grin. Instead, continue reading to learn about 3 tips that can improve your smile’s appearance!

Method #1: At-Home Hygiene Routine

Teeth that are covered in residue are more likely to have issues because darkly pigmented particles tend to cling to plaque and other accumulated gunk. They’re also more likely to develop cavities, gum disease, or physical injuries.

Cleaning your mouth consistently is a simple and effective way to prevent this. Brushing and flossing twice daily removes plaque buildup that gives pigmented particles something to cling to, so they are less likely to be tinted a deeper tone. You can also try switching to a whitening paste. This isn’t likely to drastically alter the shade of your smile but might scrub off more recent surface stains.

Method #2: Enjoy Smile-Friendly Foods

One reason for dental discoloration is repeated or prolonged exposure to darkly tinted foods that stain, like coffee, tea, wine, tomatoes, and berries. These options may be delicious, but they contain chemicals that cling to your enamel and leave it looking worse for wear.

If you can’t (or aren’t willing) to eliminate them from your diet, you can minimize your consumption to improve your grin. Then, try eating more wholesome snacks that support your oral health. For instance, dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese contain calcium, which is required for strong teeth and bones. Meanwhile, many citrus fruits and leafy greens have vitamin C to support your connective tissues.

Method #3: Consult with Your Dentist

If nothing you’ve tried has brightened your grin, it may be time to call an expert! Your dentist can provide one or several cosmetic treatments, like professional teeth whitening, to address stains. A single in-office procedure can potentially lighten your smile by up to 8 shades, although many patients prefer customized take-home kits that contain professional-grade whiteners and trays fitted just for you.

Severe stains that originate or seep into the lower layers of your teeth may not be as responsive to topical treatments. In these cases, your dentist might recommend an alternative solution, like being fitted with veneers or getting dental bonding.

These dentist-approved tips can help you keep your grin looking sparkly clean!

About the Practice

At Annigan Dental, two dedicated dentists work together to provide a full array of services from one convenient location, including cosmetic procedures. Dr. Henry Hsue and Dr. Julia Fredrickson share 20+ years of experience and can help with everything from basic preventative care to more complex procedures. They take the time to learn about your individual goals and concerns, then utilize state-of-the-art technology to implement treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. You can request an appointment on the website or call (425) 492-6898.