Brush and floss daily. Brushing is the simplest way to keep your teeth white and healthy. Brush at least twice daily, and don’t forget to floss and use an antiseptic mouthwash.
Eat your fruits and veggies. Some fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, celery and carrots trigger the production of saliva, which washes away food debris from your teeth.
Chew on some sugarless gum. Chewing sugarless gum helps trigger saliva production as well, which neutralizes acid that causes tooth decay.
Watch what you eat. Certain foods and drinks can discolor your teeth. Coffee, tea, red wine, dark sodas and sports drinks can stain teeth over time. Foods such as tomato sauce, soy sauce and blueberries also contribute to dingy-looking teeth. You don’t have to give up these foods and drinks. Just remember to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth after you drink one of these beverages.
Quit smoking. Smoking is linked to a number of health problems, and it’s one of the leading causes of teeth staining. Tobacco causes stains that penetrate into the tooth enamel, and the longer you smoke, the harder those stains are to remove. Smoking also causes bad breath and gum disease, which are even more reasons to kick the habit.
Check your medications. Medications such as antihistamines, antipsychotic drugs, blood pressure medications and antibiotics can cause tooth stains. If you’re concerned about any medication’s effect on your teeth, discuss this with your dentist.
Get professional teeth whitening. Dr. Konig offers powerful take-home options from Philips Zoom that are not available over the counter. These day and night daily treatments are safe and effective and can produce remarkable results in just two weeks. These teeth-whitening treatments come in varying strengths, and Dr. Konig will tailor treatment to meet your exact needs for the best results.
Talk to your dentist if you have dental work. Teeth whitening agents won’t work on manufactured teeth and will make old dental work stand out if you’ve whitened your natural teeth. If you have fillings, crowns, bridges or other dental work, talk to your dentist about your options, which may include new dental work such as porcelain veneers or dental bonding to brighten your overall smile for a cohesive look.
To learn more about professional teeth whitening and other ways to whiten and brighten your smile, call 713-425-1302 to set up an appointment with Dr. Konig.
