White teeth are the epitome of oral beauty these days, which makes many people wonder just how they can get their teeth to be even lighter shades of white. The color of our smile seems to communicate that we have clean, healthy, and strong teeth. Progressive Dental in Oklahoma City knows just how important it is to our clients to make their smile whiter. Continue reading to learn the top five ways that you can make your smile whiter, and then call our family dentist practice to schedule an appointment.
Avoid Stain-Causing Foods and Beverages
There are many foods and drinks which can stain teeth, not including the two you probably already know about — coffee and red wine. Generally speaking, the stains caused by food and drink are extrinsic, meaning that they are easily cleaned off of teeth. Examples of beverages and foods that cause extrinsic stains are: blueberries, soda, sugary treats, and black tea. You don’t have to give up your favorite food and drink. If you want to reduce the staining on your teeth, then you need to make sure to rinse your mouth out with water about 30 minutes after eating or drinking. Rinsing is preferable to brushing in this situation because the action of brushing could actually scrub the enamel-eroding acids right into your teeth.
Eat These Foods
Just like there are certain foods that can add to the discoloration of teeth, there are also foods that can help to brighten your smile naturally. Foods from dairy products such as cheese and yogurt are rich in calcium which helps to strengthen the enamel of your teeth. Raw onions contain sulfur which helps to stop plaque from forming on your teeth. Try chopping up a small amount and adding them to your next tossed salad. Strawberries are another item that you should add into your diet, if you don’t already consume them. They contain malic acid which removes surface stains from your teeth naturally.
Brush Twice Daily
You have probably heard this advice during every visit to a dentist’s office since you were a child. There is no better substitute for helping to keep your teeth clean 
and white than to brush them twice a day, every day. In fact, brushing your teeth should take at least two full minutes to ensure that you are thoroughly cleaning your teeth. If you are done brushing within 30 seconds, you are not giving your teeth the full benefit of brushing. Once a week, make sure to brush your teeth with either a baking soda toothpaste, or a baking soda paste. This is a natural teeth whitener and can help to lighten and brighten your smile up to two shades lighter over the course of a month. Be careful not to use baking soda regularly though, as it is an abrasive substance and can cause damage to your teeth and gums if used too often. For even whiter teeth, call your family dentist and schedule a teeth-whitening appointment.
Progressive Dental in Oklahoma City knows the best way to feel confident is to have a smile that you are proud of. We can help you with all of your dental needs, including teeth-whitening procedures. Call our family dentist practice and let us know how we can help you.