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With the growth in popularity of social media and people’s desire to look like celebrities, having a white and perfect smile has become a trend that everyone wants to adopt. It is not about having healthy teeth anymore, but the need to look perfect like the actors and singers we follow on Instagram is becoming more important than health. There are so many everyday habits that stand in the way between you and your bright and white teeth. Smoking, drinking colored drinks, eating certain types of food do contribute to coloring your teeth and having a yellow smile that you might feel ashamed of. Age is also one of the main factors that bring out the darker shades to your teeth. Here are some easy and efficient tips on how to improve and keep your smile whiter and brighter.

1. Great oral hygiene

You always have to start from the basics. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and regularly flossing means a great deal to a healthy and white dentition. By completely removing the plaque that builds up on your teeth’s surfaces you also remove some pigments or pieces of food that can color your teeth. Using the proper brushing and flossing techniques will not only keep your teeth healthy, but it will prevent the teeth from getting colored. Combining this with whitening toothpaste and whitening rinses is proven to get good results in getting a whiter smile.

2. Home whitening products

At the moment there is a wide variety of whitening products that you can use at your home that can be both inexpensive and effective if used properly. It is always recommended to have your teeth bleached by a professional, but if you decide to do it at home make sure that you carefully read and follow the instructions. Whitening strips, toothpaste, whitening trays and gels, whitening rinses, pens are just a small portion of the products that are available on the market. If you decide to use an at-home whitening system you have to be sure that it is a certified product. If these products are not used properly they can cause damage to the teeth’s hard tissues and to the gums.

3. Food and drinks

Drinks such as coffee, tea, wine and carbonized drinks are a big factor when it comes to teeth staining. All of these drinks contain pigments that cause a gray or yellow shade to your teeth. Drinking these beverages with a straw can be helpful because they will not get in touch with your teeth. Foods such as citrus fruits, raspberries, blueberries should also be avoided. Instead, you can try and eat more greens such as carrots, broccoli, kale, strawberries, apples, they will not only keep you healthy but also keep your smile bright. Most of these vegetables and fruits stimulate the saliva flow which is very beneficial in removing bacteria. Crunchy foods and snacks have the effect of an exfoliator that removes bacteria from your teeth and prevents plaque to build up on the surfaces. Drinking and eating dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese is also a very good idea, they contain calcium that is great for keeping the enamel strong. Another very helpful tip is to swish water in your mouth after every meal for at least 30 seconds. This will remove the food remains on your teeth and lower the chances of teeth discoloration. Just try and do your best in cutting down or eliminating these foods and drinks from your everyday life.

4. A visit to the dentist

If you are skeptic about whitening your teeth at home, the safer option for you is to schedule a whitening session with your dentist. Most of the dentists nowadays offer whitening treatments, that provide better, safer and faster results compared to the at-home whitening procedures. If you are looking for a more drastic change in the color of your teeth this is probably the best option for you. This is by far the most efficient way to a brighter smile, but it is also more expensive. Also having your teeth cleaned by a dental professional will significantly help in improving your teeth color. With this procedure, the dentist or hygienist removes all of the plaque, calculus and some of the stains and you will notice the results immediately. This procedure is recommended twice a year.

5. Quit smoking

Smoking is one of the top factors that cause teeth staining. The nicotine and tar that are present in cigarettes can cause discolorations in a very short amount of time and make your teeth yellow or even brown. I know that the thought of giving up cigarettes might sound hard for most people, but it can bring a lot of benefits both to your general health and to your oral health. This small change can bring plenty of good in your life.

6. Create an illusion

Ladies do not hesitate to wear bold lipstick colors that will make your teeth look whiter. Those are mostly lipsticks that have a blue undertone such as red or burgundy. Always avoid lipsticks that are based on a yellow or orange undertone such as pink and light lipsticks, because the chances are greater that your teeth will appear even more yellow or grayish.

7. Keep on smiling

Even if your teeth are not as white as you’d like them to be, keep on smiling! The people that smile are always the most beautiful ones.

If you are having any doubts, or need advice on what is right for you, do not hesitate to consult your dentist. He will be able to answer your questions and point you in the right direction of getting a whiter smile. Once you get whiter teeth you have to try and maintain that because the results are not permanent. Avoiding certain drinks and food, keeping a high level of oral hygiene, regular visits to the doctor’s office, eliminating bad habits will only help your white smile to last longer.