How to Maintain White Teeth

If you reach for a mug of coffee every morning and a cold glass of cola each afternoon, you may notice that your teeth have lost their bright appearance. Coffee, tea, cola and red wine are some of the common liquids that stain teeth. If you're serious about keeping your teeth white, try to cut back on these beverages. If you just can't live without these drinks, try sipping them through a straw, particularly in the first few days after a whitening treatment.

The American Dental Association notes that use not only stains your teeth but it can also cause tongue discoloration. Of course, there are many other negative oral risks associated with tobacco use, including gum disease, oral cancer, dulled tasting abilities and slower healing after certain dental procedures, so quitting can lead to drastic improvements for the appearance of your teeth as well as for your overall dental health.

The third step to maintaining white teeth involves brushing on a regular basis with a toothpaste that whitens teeth more than 3 shades. Whitening toothpastes work by gently polishing your teeth and removing any surface stains that may have accumulated throughout the day. It's a simple step but it can provide your teeth with a twice-daily whitening refresher, which can give you many more reasons to smile.

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.