Keeping Those Pearly Whites White

If you want to celebrate the new year with some self-improvement, you may have decided that a tooth whitening procedure is the thing for you. It’s a great idea – and once you get that new, white smile, you’ll want to keep it that way! Here are some tips for keeping those teeth nice and white!

Eat the right foods

Some foods can be very tough on teeth, at least when it comes to how white they are. Think of what happens to your white shirt when you spill certain foods on yourself – the effect is the same for your teeth. Coffee, tea, carbonated soft drinks, sports drinks, and wine stain teeth, as do dark berries (such as blueberries), citrus fruit, and tomato sauce. Eating foods with too much balsamic vinegar or soy sauce can also result in stains. And, there is yet another reason to not eat candy, as all of the sugar from candy makes acid that can stain teeth. 

The good news is that there are some foods that actually help to whiten teeth, such as cheese, apples, celery, strawberries, spinach, and broccoli. 

Take care of your teeth

Obviously, you should always take care of your teeth, by going to the dentist twice a year for checkups and brushing and flossing regularly. But besides being good for your dental health (and your health in general), keeping your teeth healthy is a great way to keep them looking good as well. Brushing (or at least rinsing with water) right after eating any stain-causing foods can keep those stains from forming. When you do drink something that can stain your teeth, use a straw. And, when you brush your teeth, use a whitening toothpaste – ask your dentist which one he or she recommends.

Of course, over time, teeth can get dingy and lackluster no matter what you do. If you need tooth whitening touch up, or if you would like another cosmetic dentistry procedure to ring in the new year, Arlington Dental Aesthetics can help. Call the office Arlington at (703) 214-3183 or South Riding Smiles in South Riding at (703) 214-3185 for an appointment today!