Keeping your smile white for as long as possible takes work. Whether you’ve had your teeth whitened professionally or you’re blessed with naturally white teeth, it will take some attention to detail to keep them that way. To help you with the task, remember these six tips below to ensure your teeth stay pearly white for life:

1. Consider Dental Veneers

If your teeth are yellowed or they are misshapen or uneven, you may want to consider composite veneers. Dental veneers – specifically composite and porcelain – are thin coatings of material that can be manipulated to make teeth look straight, uniform, and bright. Of course, even with professionally applied veneers, you’ll need to do your part to keep them beautiful. Keep reading.

2. Brush Your Teeth and Floss Regularly

Good dental hygiene is the first step to keeping your teeth clean and bright. Dentists recommend you brush your teeth at least twice a day, taking care to brush for at least two minutes each time.

They also suggest flossing to remove food particles from between teeth once a day and brushing your tongue from back to front to remove bacteria that causes bad breath and stains on teeth.

3. Buy a New Toothbrush Four Times a Year

The American Dental Association recommends buying a new toothbrush every three months. An old toothbrush contains bacteria that can stain teeth, and as it wears out, the bristles can become too soft to remove plaque effectively, which ultimately causes discoloration and decay on teeth. 

If your toothbrush shows signs of wear (frayed or missing bristles), replace it sooner to keep your teeth and gums healthy and bright. 

4. Eat the Right Foods

Certain foods promote good tooth health. For example, crunchy foods cause your mouth to produce more saliva, which helps rinse the surface of your teeth. Crunchy foods also help clean your teeth of plaque as you chew. 

A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables helps your body stay healthy, which allows it to keep tooth enamel strong. Strong tooth enamel withstands stains better, so be sure to eat the right foods to help keep your teeth as white and as bright as possible. 

5. Stay Away from Stain-Causing Food and Drink

Some foods and drinks just aren’t conducive to keeping your teeth white. While you may enjoy them, your teeth will thank you if you stay away from foods like coffee, tea, red wine, berries, tomato sauce, candy, and even curry. 

If you like citrus fruits or tomatoes, remember to rinse your mouth out after eating them to stop the acid from eating away at the surface of your teeth. Finally, if you smoke or use chewing tobacco, you’re not only jeopardizing your health, you’re also staining your pearly whites. 

6. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

This probably goes without saying, but good dental hygiene includes regular visits to your dentist. These regular visits can identify any potential problems and address any questions you may have about keeping your teeth as white and as healthy as possible. 

Some people are blessed with a mouth full of beautifully white teeth while others must have theirs professionally whitened. Either way, it takes dedication and work to keep your teeth as bright as they can be for as long as possible. With the proper care, as outlined by the tips listed above, and regular visits to your dentist, you can ensure your teeth stay pearly white for life. 

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