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Most people would admit that they wish their smiles were at least a little brighter. This may be due to the fact that stains and discoloration are among the most commonly occurring blemishes that can affect your smile. Consequently, professional tooth whitening is one of the most frequently requested cosmetic dental procedures today as people seek to erase those blemishes and brighten their smiles. However, before you seek professional teeth whitening to correct everyday stains, try these home tips for maintaining a bright and healthy smile.

At-Home Smile Brightening

  • Brush and floss every day, without fail—After brushing and flossing your teeth for most of your lifetime, skipping a day one in a while may seem harmless. The truth, however, is that any break in your oral hygiene routine can allow dental plaque to accumulate in force. Plaque, which contains hundreds of different kinds of oral bacteria, threatens your dental health in a number of ways. For instance, it harbors germs that produce acid to weaken your tooth enamel, prepping the way for tooth decay. Weakened enamel also stains more easily, so maintaining your oral hygiene can protect your smile’s appeal as well as its health.
  • Eat more fruits and vegetables—Crunchy fruits and veggies, such as apples, celery, and carrots, have a fibrous texture that can act as little toothbrushes, scrubbing food debris and minor stains from your teeth’s surfaces. They also stimulate saliva production, which is can naturally strengthen your enamel, wash away plaque and food debris, and neutralize the acids that oral bacteria produce.
  • Eat more dairy—Aside from being your body’s strongest substance, tooth enamel is also the most highly mineralized material in your whole body. Calcium and phosphate are chief among the minerals that comprise enamel’s structure. When you ensure an adequate supply of these nutrients, you can help keep your enamel strong in the face of acid attacks and tooth staining agents. Milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products contain rich supplies of these minerals, as well as others that can help keep your mouth and body in optimal shape.

Keep Your Smile Bright and Beautiful

Taking good care of your teeth can keep them bright, beautiful, and healthy for much longer. To learn more, schedule a consultation with your dentist by calling Cedar Dental in Cedar Rapids, IA, today at (319) 364-7108.