At-home Tips & Tricks
Some simple changes in habits to improve oral health and get whiter teeth!
- Cut out the stain-causing food. For whiter teeth, consider the foods you eat. Change in tooth color occurs mainly due to food and drink. Typically, anything with a dark color will affect your teeth. These include things like coffee, red wine, and even dark sodas and juices. If you can’t bear to do away with these things completely, be sure to brush immediately afterward, and consider using an over-the-counter bleaching kit or a teeth whitening procedure from your dentist.
- Eat stain-fighting foods. Certain foods, like many fruits and vegetables, have the exact opposite effect as the stain-causers discussed above. These foods have a hard texture that scrapes plaque and bacteria off your teeth as you eat. Apples, raw carrots, celery, and unsweetened popcorn are all excellent and healthy choices. For whiter teeth, eat these foods at the end of your meal.
- Replace your toothbrush. Bacteria builds up on your toothbrush over time, so while you think you’re improving your oral health, you might be putting bacteria back in your mouth! It is best to change your toothbrush (or get replacement heads for the electric variety) every few months.
- Consider getting a tongue scraper. Plaque is not just a tooth problem. It builds upon the tongue as well, causing bad breath (halitosis). A tongue-scraper does a much better job than a toothbrush can so consider using one every morning.
- Vinegar & Baking Soda (used separately). Both vinegar and baking soda can give an extra boost to your oral health regimen by removing mild staining and killing bacteria. Apple cider vinegar can be used every morning as a gargle before routine brushing, and baking soda can be brushed with once a week (used just as you would a regular toothpaste). However, avoid using baking soda and vinegar together, or you may experience an unexpected fizzing reaction in your mouth, albeit harmless.
- No Mirrors. Practice flossing without using a mirror! It may seem a bit difficult at first, but once you have mastered the skill, you can floss anywhere, such as in your car or at your desk. Make a habit out of flossing regularly and leave several packages in the areas you frequent throughout the day.
- Twice a day! At a minimum, you should brush your teeth when you wake up in the morning and before you go to sleep at night. Saliva tends to dry up during the night, so for whiter and healthier teeth, it is best to brush off the plaque before and after this vulnerable period.
