As we enter into a season of celebration whether it’s prom, graduations, weddings, or family vacations, you’re sure to take countless photos. In fact, you’ll be in most of them. If you’re nervous about your smile, wishing that your teeth were whiter and brighter, we’re here to help! Don’t spend these special moments shying away from the camera. Instead, use the following tips to recapture a smile you’re proud of.

1. Limit Stain-Causing Beverages

Drinks like coffee, tea, dark soda, and red wine contain chromogens—color pigments that attach to your enamel and stain your teeth. When you consume these beverages frequently, your teeth will begin to lose their white, sparkly luster. We recommend drinking tea and sodas from a straw so that the beverage bypasses your teeth. You will also benefit from drinking a glass of water after consuming red wine and coffee. Water will rinse away the acid and allow your saliva to remineralize your enamel. The majority of your drink choices in a given day should not be these acidic drinks if you want your teeth to stay white.

2. Stop Tobacco Use

Tar and nicotine are two chemicals found in tobacco products that stain your teeth. While nicotine is initially colorless, when it’s mixed with oxygen it turns yellow. Tar is already a dark substance so it’s not surprising that it will cause dark stains on bright, white enamel. Stopping tobacco use will do more than just keep your smile pretty, you’ll also see major benefits to your overall health.

3. Brush Often and Brush Correctly

Most people brush too aggressively and end up brushing away the white enamel that surrounds their teeth. Underneath the enamel is naturally yellow tissue called dentin. When you brush too hard, you not only scrub off the enamel, but you damage your gums. Healthy, pink gums also make your teeth look brighter. We recommend you brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes. Brushing frequently and gently will help remove surface stains and protect your gums—two things that are necessary to preserve a brilliant smile.

4. Use the Right Toothpaste

All toothpaste will help clean your teeth, but if you want to ensure you protect your bright smile, you’ll want to use whitening toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance for stain removal. Toothpaste with certified stain removal does not alter the color of your teeth in the same way that bleaching does, but the polishing agents found in these products effectively remove surface stains.

5. Use Custom Bleaching Trays or Take-Home Strips

If you’re still not satisfied with the color of your teeth, you may benefit from a cosmetic dental service to get your smile just the way you want it. At Anderson & Atkins DDS, we recommend Opalescence, a custom, home tooth-whitening kit that is safe, effective, and long-lasting. You will be fitted for a tray that contains prescription-strength whitening gel. Your dentist will tell you how long you’ll need to wear the tray every day. Our patients have been thrilled with the results they see between two to four weeks of use. If you’re not sure about the tray, we also have teeth-whitening strips that you can use at home. Both of these products are sure to give you the bright, white smile you dream about.

If you have questions about our cosmetic services, make an appointment at Anderson & Atkins, DDS today. We’re dedicated to helping people in the Bryan-College Station area keep their teeth healthy and their smile bright. Call our front office today at (979)846-1813.