5 Ways to Attain a Whiter, Healthier Smile

One of the first things a person notices about you is your smile. Think about the last person you met with a dazzling smile. It likely registered as soon as they flashed their pearly whites that they had great teeth.

A great smile leaves a lasting impression on anyone, and the good news is you, too, can get one. While brushing and flossing your teeth daily is a great start, you may also need professional teeth whitening and regular dental cleanings to get the perfect smile.

Nancy Horton, DMD, an expert dentist in Tampa, Florida, has extensive experience helping people get the smiles they’ve always dreamed of at OneSource Dental of South Tampa.

Here, she outlines five ways to help you achieve a whiter, healthier smile, from professional treatments to simple lifestyle changes.

1. Professional teeth whitening

If you want brighter teeth, teeth whitening is one of the most effective ways to achieve this. While some over-the-counter products today claim to offer the same results, professional treatments are faster, safer, and more effective. 

At OneSource Dental, you can get teeth whitening in our clinic or in the comfort of your home. The process is typically quick and painless, and your teeth can become several shades whiter in just one session. However, you may need multiple sessions to achieve the shade you desire. 

Our custom-made take-home kits use a lower concentration of the bleaching agent we use in the clinic but are still more effective than many over-the-counter options. 

2, Regular dental cleanings

A beautiful smile also needs to be healthy, and for that, you need regular dental cleanings. Even if you brush and floss as recommended, plaque and tartar can still build up, causing your teeth to become discolored.

Dr. Horton recommends visiting for a cleaning at least twice a year to keep teeth healthy. Cleanings also help prevent gum disease, which can cause tooth loss if left untreated. 

3. Maintain a healthy diet

What you eat and drink can affect the color and health of your teeth. Foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries can stain your teeth.

On the other hand, foods that are high in calcium, such as milk and almonds, help strengthen your teeth. Crunchy fruits and vegetables like carrots and celery can also act as natural toothbrushes, helping remove plaque and superficial stains.

4. Develop proper oral hygiene

Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to brush for at least two minutes and cover every tooth. An electric toothbrush can also be more effective at removing plaque and stains.

Floss carefully between every tooth and along your gum line every day. After brushing and flossing, finish up with a mouthwash. For brighter teeth, use one with whitening ingredients like hydrogen peroxide.

5. Avoid smoking

Smoking is not only horrible for your health, it discolors your teeth and causes other oral health problems like mouth cancer.

The nicotine and tar in cigarettes can stain your teeth yellow or brown, and getting rid of these stains can be difficult without professional cleaning or whitening.

When you go with the right dentist, a whiter smile isn’t out of reach for anyone. At OneSource Dental of South Tampa, Dr. Horton provides different options and treatments to help you achieve healthy and beautiful teeth.

Schedule an appointment online with us today or call 813-879-9299 and love your smile again.