Why Oral Hygiene is Important to Ensure Whiteness of Teeth?
Oral hygiene is important to ensure whiteness of teeth and maintain a proper dental regimen and care. Unfortunately, millions of people walk around with stained, discolored teeth which degrade one’s confidence and sense of self. The possibility of a perfect smile exists, however, when people engage in proper oral hygiene. This article explores why oral hygiene is important to ensure whiteness of teeth, inclusive of professional suggestions to keep and maintain the perfect smile. However, before analyzing the importance of dental care, one must note where stained teeth occur. In general, two types of teeth are stained—extrinsic and intrinsic.
Extrinsic stains
They occur on the exterior of teeth, and many associated with them occur over time based on what people eat and drink. For instance, those who constantly drink coffee, tea, and red wine, or smoke cigars and cigarettes end up with stained teeth over time. The advantage of this type of staining is that through proper brushing, dental cleaning, and whitening, it can be removed.
Intrinsic staining
It results from the damage done to the tooth from within. This includes certain medications, aging, and certain dental or physical health issues. Intrinsic stains can be brightened or diminished through professional whitening procedures.
Understanding the different types of stains makes you even more conscious of the necessity for good oral hygiene to avoid extrinsic and intrinsic stains.
Role of brushing for whiter teeth
The most fundamental and essential oral hygiene step for obtaining whiter teeth is brushing. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), individuals should brush at least twice a day for two minutes each session. Brushing reduces plaque—a coating that forms on teeth when too much bacteria exists—and prevents food and drink stains from setting onto the teeth over time. Thus, brushing consistently is the surefire method to keep them looking white over time.
Few things to keep in mind while brushing:
Use a soft-bristle toothbrush:
The hard bristles will scratch the enamel and your gums, creating sensitivity and easier staining. A soft-bristle brush polishes the tops of your teeth with no harm to the enamel.
Brush your tongue:
A lot of the same bacteria and food particles floating in your mouth transfer to your tongue, adding to bad breath and yellowing. Incorporate a tongue scraper or tongue brushing into your oral hygiene routine.
Be mindful:
Brushing too vigorously causes gum recession and enamel erosion, which causes discolored teeth and more. These little secrets do more than just combat surface stains and reduce plaque—they give your teeth that whiter, healthier appearance over time.
The Advantages of Flossing for a Whiter Smile
One of the simplest methods of avoiding stains, yet what many forget to do regularly, is floss. By getting in between each tooth, you’ll remove loose food that may stain down the line or what your brush may not necessarily capture. Furthermore, food particles between the teeth can cause cavities, and plaque is the quickest way to mask even the whitest of areas of your smile. Therefore, you should floss at least once a day for a whiter, brighter smile.
Reach those difficult spots:
Floss goes where the bristles of your toothbrush do not—it gets to an even deeper cleaning spot and prevents unnecessary stains from settling in. Promotes
gum health:
To keep your white teeth, you need healthy, restored gums functioning. If you are not flossing, you will have irritated gums, which renders your mouth less healthy, and all that whitening in your smile is for naught.
Mouthwash: A Bonus tool For Teeth Whitening
Mouthwash is a great product to purchase for your oral hygiene. Not only does it freshen breath, but mouthwash also champions an additional layer of protection from plaque, gingivitis, and extrinsic tooth stains. Furthermore, certain mouthwash specializations exist to promote those with a desire for whiter teeth, as they penetrate the enamel layer to help rid of extrinsic stains. Mouthwash for whiter teeth can be effective by using a whitening mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide, as this gently lifts stains from the surface layer. Furthermore, it rinses areas the toothbrush and dental floss cannot reach. But keep in mind, mouthwash is not a replacement for brushing and flossing—it’s an addition to your dental care routine.
Your Diet and Teeth Whitening
As there are certain foods to stain teeth, there are foods that help keep them whiter. Here are some dietary recommendations to ensure your smile stays as bright as possible.
Foods to avoid for whiter teeth:
Certain foods and beverages have been found to stain teeth. Such as,
Red wine: The dark pigments in red wine stain teeth, compounded when consumed regularly. Curry and tomato-based sauces: Anything that creates dark pigments lingers and bonds to enamel.
Berries: Blueberries, blackberries, cherries are healthy options but look similarly dark and stained, which translates to your teeth.
Soy sauce: The dark pigments in this umami flavoring negatively affect your teeth when consumed regularly.
Foods that Naturally Whiten Teeth
In addition, there are some foods that naturally whiten teeth by removing surface stains and promoting oral health.
Crunchy fruits and vegetables:
apples, carrots, celery, cucumbers. These crunchy, water-laden foods help scrape teeth and stimulate saliva in the mouth, the latter helping to neutralize acids in the mouth naturally.
Cheese and dairy:
cheese and yogurt are dental friendly as they’re high in calcium and phosphorus that strengthen enamel and keep them white.
Strawberries:
Strawberries are acidic; however, they’re also known to contain malic acid, which helps remove surface stains when consumed in moderation.
Water:
Drinking water throughout the day removes food particles and prevents staining, and a well-hydrated environment increases saliva production—a beneficial substance—in providing protection for enamel and gums.
When You Need Professional Teeth Whitening
there are certain occasions where, despite maintaining your whiteness at home and with excellent preventative measures, professional teeth whitening is necessary. For instance, if you have intrinsically stained discolored teeth, no at-home application will suffice and you require professional teeth whitening. There are safe, effective whitening options from a dentist in Ottawa that meet your needs.
Generally, professional whitening options are stronger in bleaching agents than the kits found in stores; plus, they are quicker and more efficient. Professional whitening options include:
In-office whitening treatments:
This is the treatment where a strong bleach is placed on the teeth with a special light that enhances effectiveness.
At-home whitening kits:
This is when the dentist makes custom trays and provides professional strength whitening gel. This is a more extended, gradual process but still yields effective whitening.
FINAL THOUGHTS
You’ll be better equipped to sustain your whitening efforts over time if you see your dentist for cleanings and check-ups, as they’ll notice any impending issues before they snowball into concerns that may derail your smile’s health and/or whiteness. This is what keeps white teeth white and healthy. If you brush daily, floss daily, use mouthwash, and have proper at-home dental hygiene products, eat a proper diet with tooth-aiding foods and non-staining or required teeth whitening in Ottawa then feel free to get the treatment done at your Dr. Sirwan Dental to restore what’s natural.