Ways To Maintain White Teeth in Long Beach

If the appearance of your smile is important to you, you are probably concerned about your teeth losing their whiteness. Teeth can become stained or dull over time for many different reasons, but there are things you can do to help keep your pearly whites looking bright.

The staff here at Dentist of Long Beach created this short guide to help you learn what you can do to maintain your white teeth. As always, if you have any questions, please call our office.

What Is the Most Important Thing I Can Do to Keep My Teeth White?

The most important aspect of maintaining your white teeth is following a proper oral hygiene routine. Nothing else you do will matter if you do not take proper care of your teeth.

Use the Proper Toothpaste

You want to choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride. One that has whitening ingredients may also be a good idea. Look for one that has the ADA seal of approval. If you think you might be better off with a prescription toothpaste, ask your provider at the Long Beach office the next time you come in.

Brush Properly

There are three aspects to brushing your teeth correctly. First, choose a soft-bristled toothbrush. Anything harder can damage your enamel, which will dull your teeth, and can also damage your gums. Second, brush gently because force can cause the same issues as stiff-bristled brushes. Finally, be sure to brush twice a day, once in the morning and once right before bed.

Can Food Keep My Teeth White?

Diet has a significant impact on both the health and appearance of your teeth. If you want to keep your teeth looking their best, incorporate the following foods into your diet.

Fruits and Vegetables

Look for fruits that are high in vitamins and minerals, such as apples and citrus fruits. Choose vegetables that are chewy and fibrous to help clean your teeth. Raw carrots and celery are good examples.

Milk and Cheese

These foods contain significant quantities of calcium and vitamin D, both of which are necessary for your teeth to stay healthy and white.

Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

These fatty acids are necessary for a host of important physical functions and help your teeth stay healthy and white too. Most types of fish fall into this category, but so do seeds and nuts (watch how hard they are so you do not injure your teeth), leafy greens like spinach and kale, and fortified dairy foods.

Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid if I Want My White Teeth to Keep Their Shine?

Just as there are foods that will help keep your teeth white, there are others that will stain them. You do not have to eliminate these foods from your diet entirely but do watch how much you consume. You can also rinse your mouth with water after eating them to help remove the staining compounds.

Staining Drinks

Several drinks can stain your teeth, including coffee, tea, red wine, sodas, and grape juice. Drinking these on a regular basis is a good way to dull your teeth quickly. You can use a straw with these drinks to reduce the staining effect.

Fruits and Vegetables

Brightly colored fruits and vegetables, such as beets and berries, can stain your teeth because of their dark pigmentation. Tomatoes and tomato products are one of the worst offenders in this category. Soy sauces and dark vinegars can also stain your teeth.

Other Foods

Dark chocolate, dark sauces, and certain spices like curry can discolor your teeth. You should also watch out for food with bright or dark artificial colors.

Will My Professional Dental Cleanings Help Keep My White Teeth?

Not only will your twice-yearly cleanings help your teeth stay white, but they are essential. This is because your dental hygienist will remove incipient stains and polish your teeth as well. Do not miss your cleanings if you want your teeth to stay white. Prioritize coming into the Long Beach office twice a year.

What Should I Do if My Teeth Start to Get Stained?

If you follow the recommendations given above, you should be able to keep your teeth sparkling for a long time. If they start to develop stains or become discolored, cut back on the foods mentioned above and start using a whitening toothpaste. If that does not help, call our Long Beach office and we will be happy to make recommendations and/or get you into the office for an appointment.

Can I Get My Teeth Professionally Whitened (or Whitened Again) if I Would Like?

Of course. Dentist of Long Beach offers multiple options for professional tooth whitening, and we would be happy to assist you in getting the smile of your dreams. The first step is to call our office and make an appointment to come in for a consultation. Your provider will examine your teeth and create a customized treatment plan that will make your teeth shine.

At-Home Tooth Whitening

Professional at-home whitening uses custom dental trays and a prescription strength whitening gel. It is much safer and more effective than the at-home whitening kits you can buy online or at your local drugstore.

Professional In-Office Tooth Whitening

You can also have your teeth whitened at our Long Beach office. We will apply a special whitening gel to your teeth and then use an ultraviolet light to activate it. The process takes about an hour, and your teeth will be instantly whiter. This process is painless but may cause discomfort if you have a sensitive mouth.

Do You Want to Have Your Whitest Smile Ever?

Dentist of Long Beach offers professional whitening services for our patients in the Long Beach area. We also offer both general and cosmetic dentistry and orthodontic care. We have flexible appointment times and offer our patients a variety of financing options to help you get the dental care that is right for you.

Call (562) 373-0026 to make an appointment with Dentist of Long Beach today!