Red, Green, and White? Do’s and Don’ts for maintaining a white holiday smile

For many, the holiday season is filled with family, friends, and, of course, tons of delectable eats!

However, consuming certain food and drinks can give your smile a less than desirable shade of Merlot. How can you keep your smile as bright as your holiday spirit?

Here’s a handy list of DO’S and DON’TS provided by your Orinda Dentist for this holiday season.

DO’S:

Chew, Chew, Chew – Look for foods that require a lot of chewing, as these act as natural exfoliants and will help to eliminate stains from your teeth.

Eat those Greens – Green vegetables, like spinach, actually create a thin film on your teeth that protect them from stains! At your next party, eat up your greens, but do try to avoid spinach caught between your front teeth (not a good look).

Wash it Down – Don’t simply forego that glass of eggnog or your favorite wine or coffee. You can still enjoy your favorites beverages, but just alternate drinking some water after a few sips to prevent the stain particles from lingering on your pearly whites.

DON’TS:

Put it Off – Your teeth are similar to clothing: if it stains your clothes, it will stain your teeth! After eating, if any of your meals components seem like they might stain, brush your teeth as soon as possible.

Home-Sweet-Home – Stains tend to make themselves at home in the areas between your teeth, so be sure to give a little extra attention to those in between areas. Eliminate plaque and stain molecules at the same time by flossing every day!

No Cheating – While gum, mints and mouthwash can give your mouth a fresher feel, brushing and flossing are the only effective ways to remove stains. Don’t go the easy way – do it right!

A simple Orinda teeth whitening treatment takes ages off of your appearance, and makes a huge difference in the way you look and feel overall. Orinda Dentist, Dr. Santucci finds that using Opalescence Whitening Systems are the most efficient way to whiten teeth, giving you the most bang for your buck. A customized bleaching tray and whitening gel are created just for you, and are designed for easy use right at home. The results are safe, effective, and sure to achieve the ideal whiteness you’re after at your own convenience. Smile brightly for the holidays with these informative tips and call us if you wish to schedule a teeth whitening consultation.

Do you have other methods for maintaining the luster on your pearly whites? Please comment below, and share your stories!