Tips for a Whiter, Brighter, Healthier Smile!

A happy smile will help you look years younger, boost your self-confidence and make you more approachable! Here’s how to make your smile your best feature:

Practice Proper Dental Hygiene: I have to state the obvious…brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss once and visit your dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups.

Eat For Healthy Gums: Eat these foods as often as possible: Salmon, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, will reduce inflammation as will pistachio nuts, high in CoQ10. Strawberries, chock full of Vitamin C, can prevent gingivitis. Whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal contain iron and B Vitamins, essential to gum health. Drink green tea–it’s high in antioxidants and will combat mouth bacteria.

Don’t Smoke: Among the long list of reasons you should never smoke (lung and other cancers, cardiovascular disease, emphysema, fertility problems, macular degeneration, bad breath, wrinkles, etc.) tobacco also turns teeth yellow.

Steer Clear of the Tooth-Stainers: Over time, red wine, coffee, tea and dark sodas will turn teeth dingy. If you must indulge, drink them through a straw which will prevent the drink from coming in contact with your teeth.

Choose your Whitener: Available in your local drugstore or pharmacy, over-the-counter whitening treatments can remove surface stains. To make sure they work, look for the ADA Seal of Approval on any at-home whitening treatments you purchase. If you’re looking for something more effective than what you can buy yourself, your dentist can fit you for a whitening tray. You’ll use it at home and results will be reached in up to 7 days of use. Laser whitening is the fastest way to whiten your teeth. Though you’ll pay a lot more for this treatment, it’s like magic, all it takes is one 30 minute session.

If you prefer to go the do-it-yourself route, here’s something to smile about, courtesy of Dr. Oz:

• In a small bowl, mix a little bit of baking soda with the juice of a freshly squeezed lemon. The mixture should bubble slightly.
• Use a q-tip to wipe saliva and excess plaque from your teeth before brushing on the mixture.
• Leave the mixture on your teeth for a minute before gently brushing it off with a toothbrush.

Note: Don’t leave the mixture on your teeth for any longer than one minute or it can damage your enamel.

Now, say cheese!