Wanting some simple ways to get a whiter smile? Of course! Your smile is one of the first things people notice when they meet you. We all know the importance of first impressions and the impact they can have on you. Luckily there are common habits that can be changed to easily improve the whiteness of your teeth:
Brushing Too Hard
Many of us are guilty of this. We think the harder we brush the more grime and bacteria we will remove. This actually could be removing the enamel on teeth. Even though tooth enamel is strong, brushing too hard creates weak spots that can dull your smile. These weak spots are also more likely to soak in color and stains that are harder to clean and remove. It is important to use a soft toothbrush and go easy on your chompers.
Soda
The acids and coloring in soda can send you on a one way trip to a dull and stained smile. The acids and other chemical compounds in sodas weaken your tooth enamel. This can make them more susceptible to staining. Once tooth enamel is weakened, the dyes and coloring in the soda can enter the tooth, creating a dull look. If you are a soda lover, every now and again is ok. Just remember sodas every day can do a great deal of damage. Consider subbing your cola for sparkling water—this is especially helpful for fans of pop’s carbonation.
Tobacco
In case the huge number of documented risks associated with using these products isn’t enough to deter you, chewing tobacco and cigarettes are one of the main causes of stained teeth. Whether you chew or smoke, these stains deepen and worsen if you are a frequent and habitual user.
Frequent Snacking
Snacking can be a great way to keep trim and to help keep you from eating too much. Frequent snacking is not all that bad. But not cleaning your teeth between snacks it gives bacteria a buffet to eat from. Bacteria now has an opportunity to eat the left overs from what you have already snacked on. Your teeth can become weaker and more prone to staining. Don’t worry! You don’t have to forego the snacks completely! Consider adding a quick brush during the day keep your smile bright. Or, alternatively, pop in a piece of sugar-free gum to help keep bacteria (and bad breathe) at bay.
Red Wine and Coffee
These are two of the worst things you can drink if you are looking for a bright white smile. The high concentration of color in both drinks makes them harsh on your teeth. Red wines and coffees can stain your teeth after just one or two drinks. If this is prolonged it will create deep, hard to remove stains that can settle into your smile. When you do enjoy these beverages, try to rinse with water afterwards and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to help minimize the damage to your enamel.
If you’ve made these tweaks and are still not happy with your smile, consider whitening options available to remove unwanted stain. You only get one set of original teeth, so make them last.