Having good oral hygiene can help to make and keep your teeth whiter while preventing cavities. First, you must brush your teeth at least twice a day.A toothpaste with fluoride is best unless your dentist specifies otherwise. Make sure to replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or sooner if the bristles become frayed. You should floss once per day as well.
You should limit your intake of foods and beverages that are known to cause discolouration, such as wine, soda, tea, coffee, acidic drinks and berries. Another culprit — and a favourite food of many families — is tomato sauce of any kind, including pizza and spaghetti sauce.
If you smoke or use smokeless tobacco, you should consider options to help you quit because tobacco stains your pearly whites and poses serious risks to the overall health of your body. Smokeless tobacco products, such as chewing or dipping tobacco, will stain your teeth even more because they come into physical contact with them.
A research study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research notes that research studies conducted over years have shown linkage of Smokeless Tobacco use with oral potentially malignant disorders and cancers of oral cavity, oesophagus and pancreas along with possible contributory role in cardiovascular disease, hypertension, peptic ulcer and foetal morbidity and mortality. A research study published in the Indian Journal of Public Health notes smoking increases the risk of heart disease and stroke by two to four times. Smoking causes chronic lung diseases that can be severely disabling or fatal, increasing the risk of death 12 times. Smoking is an independent risk factor for diabetes.
You should see your dentist every 6 months for a regular dental exam and a preventive cleaning appointment. This will help keep your mouth healthy, and the removal of plaque and other staining substances during the cleaning will also make your teeth look whiter.
Baking soda is one of the most commonly used at-home teeth whitening methods. It is probably one of the best home teeth whitening methods for its effectiveness. Colgate offers several products with baking soda that will help make your smile whiter. The best home teeth whitening methods are natural solutions for preventing tooth discolouration in addition to treatments recommended by dental professionals.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
ORAL HEALTH QUIZ
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ORAL HEALTH QUIZ
Take our Oral Health assessment to get the most from your oral care routine