5 Tips for keeping your teeth whiter and brighter

Over time, our teeth gradually change colour. This is partly a natural effect that is seen as we get older but can also be affected by your health and lifestyle. Whether or not you have had your teeth whitened, here are five tips to help you keep smiling with confidence.

1. Be careful what you consume

One of the most common causes of teeth discolouration is the regular consumption of foods and drinks that stain the teeth. Tea, coffee and red wine are among the worst offenders – but unfortunately also among the UK’s most popular beverages and not something that you may feel willing to abstain from. Drinking water immediately after consuming these drinks can help to reduce staining, while another life hack is to use a straw (be careful if using a straw for hot drinks) to avoid direct contact with the teeth. If you want to go a step further, read the next tip. Be aware that smoking is also a major offender when it comes to staining.

2. Brush or rinse after consumption

If you really want to avoid staining without cutting out the common culprits, then you may wish to consider brushing or rinsing immediately after consuming things such as coffee, tea or red wine. Use a quality fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash for best results. Some manufacturers offer travel-sized bottles of mouthwash that can easily be carried in a pocket or handbag. Alternatively, whitening chewing gum can help.

3. Follow good oral hygiene practices

Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice daily for at least two minutes, using a quality fluoride toothpaste. Rinsing once a day is also recommended, however, this should not be done immediately after brushing as it can rinse away the fluoride protection. It is generally recommended to rinse at a different time of day, for example after your main meal. You may wish to use a whitening toothpaste from a trusted brand once or twice a week to supplement your routine, but try to avoid products that are too abrasive as this may actually have a detrimental effect.

If you have any questions about your oral hygiene, our friendly and experienced dental hygienists can help you improve and maintain your dental health.

4. Don’t forget to floss

In addition to the best practises described above, dental experts recommend that you floss at least once daily to remove plaque from hard to reach areas that are inaccessible to your toothbrush. This can have a significant effect on reducing decay and discolouration, as well as helping to prevent gum disease and bad breath.

5. Get regular touch-ups

If you’ve invested in teeth whitening treatment, it is recommended that you book in for a touch up around every six months after the first year or two to ensure that your teeth keep looking great. Depending on your lifestyle, you may need a touch up more often. Don’t hesitate to speak to your dentist for more advice.

Would you like a brighter, whiter smile? Talk to us today about Philips Zoom! Teeth whitening. To book an appointment or find out more, call now on 0161 941 2143.