Cosmetic Dentistry

DO’s:

Do buy and use a new toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every three months. Bent bristles don’t clean your teeth properly.  The best toothbrush has soft bristles.

Do brush your tongue as it helps prevent staining.  The tongue accumulates bacteria, which can lead to discoloration.  Gently brush the tongue starting at the back.  Use a soft brush and rinse your brush and mouth after every stroke to avoid spreading the bacteria around.

Do rinse with two parts water to one part apple cider vinegar (preferably raw, organic and unpasteurized) and swish the solution around in your mouth for one minute after brushing. Even though it is a vinegar, it creates an alkaline environment in the body.  This neutralizes the acid from food.

Do eat raw fruits and crunchy vegetables.  Apples, pears, and crunchy vegetables help remove surface stains and leftover food from between teeth.

Do rinse your mouth with water after eating citrus fruits or drinking beverages with lemon or lime juice in them.  The acid in citrus fruit erodes tooth enamel and makes teeth stain more easily.

Don’t

Don’t use baking soda because it is too abrasive for teeth.  It will help remove stains, but it can wear away enamel and cause teeth to darken.

Don’t eat dark foods. It’s not always possible to avoid foods like marinara sauce, blueberries or soy sauce, but the very dark pigmentation can cause staining.  Dark berries are very healthy, so if you do eat them or other dark foods, be sure to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth as soon as possible after eating.

Don’t Drink Energy Drinks

Energy drinks contain acid and have the same effect as citrus fruit. The difference is that the liquid bathes your teeth in the acid causing more exposure to the acid.  In addition to acid, these drinks contain high amount of sugar which can lead to cavities.