In modern society, having a radiant, white smile is a sign of status and self-maintenance. Many people spend significant amounts of money on at-home and professional whitening products and services. The truth is that just because a smile may be dazzling white doesn’t mean it is also healthy. Here are some tips from the dental health pros that can help you get and keep a white smile while still making sure your oral health future is just as bright:
Perfecting Your Technique
The first thing to make certain of is that you are using the proper brushing technique. While you are probably aware that brushing properly and for the correct amount of time will help brighten your smile, most people are oblivious to the fact that doing it incorrectly can actually have the opposite effect.
Many people think that by simply finding the hardest bristled brush they can and going to work as though they were scrubbing floors or cleaning the sink that they will be able to shine up those pearly whites. In fact, that kind of excessive and abrasive brushing can lead to discoloration by stripping the enamel and other protective layers from the teeth. Just like any other time you are cleaning your teeth, gentle, small, circular motions is the proper technique.
Going Electric
Another way to amplify the effects of your brushing routine is to power it up. By this we mean opting for an electric toothbrush over a manual one. If you can achieve a whiter smile simply by practicing a good brushing technique with a regular toothbrush, imagine the results you could get with the same routine using a power one.
Waiting at Least 30 Minutes After Eating
Regardless of the type of toothbrush you use, allowing a certain amount of time after meals before using it is also very important to maintaining a white smile. Teeth are much more sensitive for up to about a half hour after eating. Brushing too soon can cause damage to the softened enamel following mealtime. A great substitute is rinsing with water or mouthwash to help remove food particles and debris from between teeth without brushing.
Your local family dental clinic, River Valley Smile Center is here for any of your oral health needs, including simple cosmetic ones such as making sure your teeth stay bright and white. Give our offices a call at 479.646.0706 to find out more or to schedule an appointment.
