Teeth are a sign of health and status, and nothing says this better than a bright, white smile. Whether you can afford braces or not, you can keep your teeth clean enough so that they shine. Luckily, it doesn’t take a lot of hard work, it merely takes regular, preventative care.

Floss

Arguably more important than brushing, flossing is essential to maintaining a healthy, bright smile. The reason for this lies in the fact that flossing cleans out what brushing can’t. When you eat, small food particles get stuck between the teeth and in those hard to reach crevices. If left undisturbed, they build up over time and harden into plaque. This plaque is yellow in color and will stain the areas it lives in, causing unsightly discoloration. Flossing, however, kicks these food particles out of the way, leaving you with a clean smile that is uniform in color. Mouthwash like Colgate Total® Advanced Health Mouthwash is not a substitute for flossing, but used in conjunction with brushing a flossing will keep your smile in tip-top shape!

 

Water

Coffee, soda and other colored beverages stain your teeth, so unless you can brush immediately after having one of these beverages, your smile is going to be dulled. Beyond this, coffee, soda and anything with caffeine works as a diuretic. In short, it dehydrates your mouth. This reduces the amount of spit which is bad because spit naturally keeps the teeth clean by wicking away unwanted particles. By drinking water, you keep the spit flowing at healthy levels and keep those teeth protected from staining agents. Now, do you have to quit soda or coffee altogether? Not at all. The key is moderation.

 

Dentist

Finally, never underestimate the importance of regular visits to the dentist, like the professionals at Crest Hill Family Dental. These masters of the mouth are perfect for preventative care. They clean away everything that may have built up over the years and check for early signs of cavities or other dental issues that could have extremely negative impacts on your dental health in the future. Plus, many offer teeth whitening services that whiten your teeth better than any over-the-counter option.

Your smile says a lot about you. It’s usually one of the first things people notice. This is why it’s essential to make sure your happy face is as bright and beautiful as you are. Though you might need professional whitening to hit celebrity levels of white, simple things like regular brushing and flossing and avoiding dark drinks can really do a lot for your look.