Smile White, Smile Bright!

The basics of tooth care are well known – brush, floss, rinse, and visit the dentist twice a year. Simple…easy…absolute must-do’s.

But you may not know that there are other things that you can do to ensure that your smile shines brightly.

Change It Up…Your toothbrush that is.

Bacteria live on your toothbrush…whether it is electric or a standard hand model. Change your brush head or get a new brush every three months. And if you have been sick, get a new brush immediately.

Your Tongue Needs Cleaning, Too.

If you haven’t tried a tongue scraper, think about giving it a try. Designed to reach the very back of your tongue, a tongue scraper is the best way to rid your tongue of the plaque and bacteria that accumulate on it during the night. If scraping is not your thing, brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth. Your breath and your teeth will thank you.

Oil Pulling? Don’t Knock It ‘Till You Try It.

Trending and popular as a treatment for cleaner breath and whiter teeth is the ayurvedic practice of oil pulling. To do it, place about a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth first thing in the morning. Let it melt, wiggle, and pull it through your teeth for ten to twenty minutes. Spit it into your garbage can and brush your teeth. Devotees are adamant that it whitens their teeth and freshens their breath.

Apples and Carrots and Celery, Oh My!

Eating crunchy, firm, crisp foods help clean your teeth while you chew them. If you can’t brush right after eating, try ending your meal with a scrubbing, cleaning vegetable or fruit.

Ditch Your Mouthwash If It’s Alcohol Based.

Bacteria love and thrive on alcohol. Additionally, if you tend to have dry mouth syndrome, the alcohol in your mouth wash could worsen it.

Rush To Brush, If You Can.

Coffee, cola, black tea, and red wine stain your teeth. Any dark-colored foods – such as berries – will also stain. So, if you can, brush immediately after eating or drinking foods that are known teeth stainers.

If it’s been a while since you had a thorough dental cleaning, call our office for an appointment today: 951-698-4426.