How to keep your smile white this summer

How To Keep Your Smile White This Summer

When you think of summer, what do you picture? Afternoons spent by the pool with an ice cream. Warm evenings with friends while sipping cocktails. Long walks fuelled by iced coffee. And smiles. A whole lot of summery smiles!

White teeth not only help you look great in your new summer outfit, but they indicate your health and lifestyle. Feeling and looking fabulous starts with healthy habits, and what better a time to make some changes then in the lead up to summer, such as focusing on whitening your teeth?

Teeth whitening can be done naturally at home as well as professionally by one of our experienced dentists. There are many steps you can take to reduce the stains on your teeth and prevent more discolouration. Our Boroondara Family Dentist team are happy to provide advice and assistance.

Whitening Teeth Involves Great Oral Hygiene

Keeping your teeth and mouth clean by regularly brushing and flossing will help to reduce stains and make your teeth look fresh and bright. It will also decrease the chance of dental problems, such as infections. When your summer days get busy, don’t let your oral hygiene routine slip.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day. After a meal high in darker coloured ingredients, you may want to brush again. Floss at least once a day, and you may consider using a mouthwash too. And don’t forget your toothbrush needs replacing every few months, or before if it is appearing worn and discoloured.

Having regular dental check-ups is also crucial for white and healthy teeth. Our dentists will do a thorough assessment and provide advice and treatment when required. We recommend visiting us every six months, and sooner if you have any concerns.

Eat And Drink Your Way To White Teeth

Summer is a perfect time to enjoy great foods and drinks. From iced teas to chocolate ice cream to cherries – there are some delicious ways to cool down and have fun during the summer. While doing so, there are some foods, such as these, that you should be mindful of when it comes to the colour of your teeth.

Reduce the amount of strongly coloured and sugary drinks and foods you consume, such as red wine and dark fruits. Try to substitute these where possible, such as having cold herbal tea, pink wines, and strawberries.

There are some foods that not only have less chance of leaving stains but have properties that can improve and prevent discoloration. These can help in the following ways:

  • Stimulating saliva. This can help to wash away food, to prevent acid impacting the enamel, and to remove bad bacteria. Some foods that are good include celery, apples, and carrots.
  • Reducing and preventing plaque to reveal brighter, white teeth. Foods that are gently abrasive can help with this, such as nuts and seeds.
  • Improving the strength of your teeth to decrease the chance of wear and tear and reduced dental health, which can impact the colour. One way to do this is to include calcium-rich foods, such as yogurt, sardines, and tofu.

When you do choose to enjoy the foods that can stain your teeth (don’t worry, we do from time to time too!), there are some methods you can use. Remove plaque with a toothbrush about an hour before you consume dark foods and drinks, decreasing the amount of plaque for them to cling to. Avoid brushing immediately after consuming dark foods and drinks, however, because acids can soften the enamel, making it more likely a toothbrush will cause damage to your teeth. Wait at least twenty minutes up to an hour. When you can’t get to a toothbrush, swish water around your mouth. You can do this with sparkling or still water to rinse away any debris that may be building up.

Teeth Whitening Treatments

When your teeth are discoloured, you can choose to have a treatment that will brighten them up and allow you to start afresh. We can discuss with you the options that are suitable and safe for you. This may include an in-chair treatment, an at-home kit with custom made trays and whitening solutions, or a combination. Results can vary and ongoing care is required to maintain stain-free teeth. Teeth whitening treatment is one of our most popular services. We have a range of options, such as our Philips in-chair ZOOM Teeth Whitening, that generally get better results than over-the-counter kits and pastes.

Teeth Whitening In Time For Summer

Keeping your teeth clean and white is important for your overall health, for positive self-confidence, and for making a great first impression. There are several simple steps you can take to reduce stains and prevent further discolouration. Our friendly and experienced dentists at Boroondara Family Dentist can help you to find and keep the white smile you are after. Call to book for a whitening treatment, for advice, and for dental care for any concerns you have.

At Boroondara Family Dentist in Balwyn North, we offer comprehensive dental care to Balwyn residents and nearby suburbs like Alphington, Auburn, Box Hill North, Bulleen, and Camberwell. Book your appointment with us today to experience quality care close to home.

 

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