How to Get and Maintain Your Whitest Smile

You know when meeting someone the first time, a bright smile makes a great impression. So, it's logical to want the same for yourself. Yet, daily living is full of tasty food and drink that can compromise the whiteness of your teeth.

Keeping your smile its whitest takes a well-rounded dental care plan and a bit of discipline to stick with it, but the results are often worth the effort. Here's a guide to getting-and keeping-your whitest smile.

Regular dental checkups

Staying on track with your dental health is the foundation for a white smile. If you have plaque build-up or gum disease, you may not be able to receive teeth whitening procedures, so basic oral care is the first step toward a bright smile. Regular checkups every six months will ensure your teeth and gums can handle whitening procedures.

Professional teeth whitening

The Dental Touch is also your next step in obtaining the smile of your dreams. There's no substitute for professional teeth whitening procedures. The bleaches available to dental offices are much more concentrated than home care products.

The professionals at The Dental Touch know how to maximize results. They can advise you on what to expect-some tooth flaws don't respond to bleaching-as well as aftercare that's customized to your mouth.

Home dental care

Now that your teeth are their whitest, keeping them that way is a breeze. Regular brushing and flossing are essential to maintain the health of your teeth and gums, while also minimizing the effects of food and drink on your bright smile. Oral care twice a day is ideal, following proper brushing and flossing techniques.

At-home whitening

Dr. Prat and his staff may recommend home whitening touch-ups and can provide you with a tray customized for your teeth, as well as recommending whitening agents for you to use periodically at home. A custom tray is important for complete tooth coverage but without bleach contacting your gums, something that's difficult to achieve with over-the-counter whitening kits.

Watch for food and drink that stains

Some foods and beverages are notorious for compromising a bright smile. Red wine, coffee, and tea are perhaps the best-known culprits, and dark berries such as blueberries are also tooth stainers.

Acidic beverages like cola add an additional threat to whiteness. Not only does the caramel in the drink tend to stain, but the acids that give the fun and fizz can soften tooth enamel, amplifying the effects of staining.

If you're already brushing twice a day, you can also add a quick brush after having staining food or drink, unless it's an acid-based drink, such as soda or citrus juice, or acidic food like those with tomato sauce or vinegar. Delay brushing for 30 to 60 minutes after consuming acids.

Smokers require extra care

The staining effects of nicotine are quite intense, so if you're a smoker, you may need more frequent dental visits and more aggressive home care to keep your teeth their whitest.

Dr. Prat and the team at The Dental Touch are your white-smile partners. To get started on a brighter, fresher look, call or click today to schedule a visit. You'll be proud of your whitest smile in no time.