5 Ways to a Whiter Smile

5 Ways to a Whiter Smile

Having a whiter smile is a goal many of us strive to achieve. Brighter, whiter teeth have become a status symbol over the years for a number of reasons. One of the key explanations behind this is how the shade of our teeth often represents our dental health.

Tooth decay is a serious dental issue that can lead to discoloured teeth. While tooth decay may only impact a few teeth, the impact of these discoloured teeth can stand out much more against the backdrop of healthy teeth. Another problem that can cause yellowing teeth is enamel erosion. As the outer layer of the tooth is worn away, the dentin underneath becomes more exposed. Dentin is naturally more yellow than the outer layer of enamel – so yellowed teeth may signify the need to take better care of your dental health.

The shade of our teeth can also be impacted by certain lifestyle choices and ageing. Although yellowed or discoloured smiles are not necessarily the result of dental health problems, others looking at your smile don’t know this. It’s always worth getting your dental health checked out fully before opting for any whitening treatments, just in case. Once you’ve done this, here’s our guide with 5 actionable tips to help you achieve a whiter smile!

Regular Brushing and Flossing

One of the best ways to maintain a white smile is to stick to a healthy dental care routine. Brushing using a fluoride toothpaste twice a day, as well as flossing, removes the potential for yellowing plaque and tartar to build up on the teeth.

One popular misconception is that brushing immediately after a meal can help to keep teeth healthier. This is not true; after consuming acidic foods or drinks, waiting at least 30 minutes gives the time required for the acids in the mouth to neutralise. If you brush before this time, the acids may be brushed into the teeth and gums. Immediately after a meal, rinse the mouth with water instead of brushing to avoid this.

Choose a Cleaner Diet

What you choose to eat and drink can play a significant role in determining the shade of your teeth. There are plenty of foods containing staining compounds that can build up over time. Red wine, coffee, and even berries may seem good in moderation – but they do contain chemicals that can easily bind to the teeth. Anthocyanins are responsible for the deep red pigments found in red wine and grapes, and can easily stain the teeth. In coffee and tea, tannins cause a yellow hue.

As well as avoiding foods, you can also opt for ‘cleaner’ foods that can uplift your dental health. Leafy greens contain key vitamins and folic acid that contribute to maintaining strong teeth and healthy gums. Foods that help produce saliva, such as crunchy vegetables, help to cleanse the mouth naturally – reducing the buildup of plaque. Nuts, seeds and dairy foods are rich in protein, calcium and nutrients that can help strengthen tooth enamel.

In-Clinic Teeth Whitening

You may be doing all the right things when it comes to maintaining whiter teeth, but not noticing the impact. Ageing has a significant impact on how white our teeth can be, and it is natural for them to yellow slightly over time. Other factors, such as certain medications, can also cause unwanted staining or discolouration.

In-clinic teeth whitening is therefore a popular option for those struggling to brighten their teeth through smaller, everyday habit switches. Professional teeth whitening can significantly adjust the shade of your smile, with no lasting adverse effects. At Ringway Dental, our Zoom treatment offers a luxurious, in-surgery whitening experience where you’ll leave our Manchester practice with a transformed smile. In-clinic teeth whitening is often preferred over at-home treatments by those looking for an accessible and reliable way to quickly upgrade their smile. Our Zoom treatments start at £650.00

Teeth Whitening at Home

If in-clinic whitening treatments aren’t for you, at-home options now offer a range of packages to suit varying needs. Our Boutique whitening treatment costs £350.00 for at-home whitening trays and gels. Our Enlighten whitening treatment costs £650.00 for a carefully planned combination of both in-surgery and at-home steps.

To offer the most bespoke whitening experience, we will take digital scans of your mouth to help us produce individual whitening trays for use at home. Alongside the professional in-clinic whitening appointments, we will talk you through the entire process so you can wear the trays to boost the whitening experience in the comfort of your own space.

As with any whitening treatment, it’s important to avoid staining foods and drinks following (or even during) your treatment, as these can compromise the outcome.

Teeth Cleaning Appointments

Having your teeth cleaned regularly can make all the difference when it comes to maintaining a bright, white smile. During a teeth cleaning appointment, your dentist or hygienist will scale your teeth to remove any unwanted plaque or bacteria that may have built up. If necessary, they will remove any tartar that had formed in-between appointments.

Fully removing plaque and tartar to a professional standard should be performed by a professional, so it’s not something clients can rely on achieving at home. A thorough teeth cleaning appointment can help to remove stains, ensuring you leave the surgery feeling fresher – and potentially with a brighter smile – than before. To boost your dental hygiene and smile, opt for our Airflow Tooth Polishing treatment.

Regular Dental Check-ups

We’ve saved the most important until last. We mentioned the importance of having your teeth checked over right at the beginning of this guide, and that’s how important it is. Keeping regular appointments can also help your dentist recognise when something may need investigating further with your dental health, which can cause discolouration.

You can book a Manchester dental check up with us here.

Whiten Your Smile with Ringway Dental

A whiter, brighter smile can transform the way you feel about your appearance. In our Cheadle surgery, we offer a range of professional whitening treatments that will boost your smile. We always recommend having a preliminary check-up appointment before going ahead with any whitening options.

Call our team to book your appointment now on 0161 437 2029.

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