Whether it’s caused by drinking too much coffee or smoking, having discoloured teeth may cause anyone to be self-conscious about flashing their smile to the world. In fact, a recent survey conducted by the Australian Dental Association revealed that 22% of all Australian adults have whitened their teeth and a huge portion of these adults belong to the age group of 24-35 years old. So in this article, we have compiled five (5) simple actions that you can take to address discolouration and keep your teeth shining bright.
5 Dental Actions for Whiter Teeth
Step #1: Regularly Brush Your Teeth
By brushing your teeth at least twice a day, you can lighten the surface of the teeth and make them appear less yellow in the long run. In fact, years and years of studies have revealed that regular brushing can help your teeth stay white by rubbing out the stains on your teeth and removing bacteria to avoid plaque buildup. One of the simplest options to remove stubborn stains is to use teeth whitening products that you can easily find in the grocery store like whitening toothpaste or whitening strips.
Step #2: Prevent Teeth Staining Food & Beverages
Avoiding teeth stains and fixing discolourations can be a never-ending battle, so in addition to brushing your teeth regularly, you can prevent stains even before they form by limiting staining foods and drinks like chocolate, wine, coffee, and tea. Certain foods and beverages can stain your enamel causing the surface of the teeth to build up plaques and lose their bright, white sparkle. Another helpful tip to get any of those extrinsic stains off your teeth is to permanently quit smoking and keep your gums healthy for a white smile.
Step #3: Practise Regular Flossing
Just like how vacuuming makes the colour of the rugs look brighter, flossing your teeth works similarly by removing dirt and bacteria to ensure a white smile. Incorporating whitening floss or any other type of floss that you like can be a great addition to your dental hygiene routine and ensure your precious smile won’t be stained. With regular use, flossing can improve the appearance of your teeth by removing excess proteins that saliva deposits on the teeth along with other food particles that can cause unwanted discolouration.
Step #4: Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings
Together with regular brushing and flossing, there’s no better way to brighten up your smile than getting a dental cleaning treatment. Going beyond your daily dental routines by getting your teeth cleaned can help prevent gum disease and detect early signs of problems such as fractures and broken fillings. On top of that, you can also free yourself from tartar buildup and keep yellow teeth from getting in the way of your social life.
Step #5: Consult With Teeth Whitening Experts
If none of the other steps seems to work, it can be wise to consult with a teeth whitening professional to get expert advice on this matter. Depending on the severity of the discolouration, most dentists offer whitening treatments to gently remove the surface stains on the teeth without harming the gums. With regular check-ups, your dentist can compare the state of your oral health to your previous visits and practise immediate intervention in case you’re moving in the wrong direction to get you back on track.