Do you want a brighter smile? Your smile has a big impact on your appearance and other people’s perception of you. Whiter teeth can help you feel more confident and help you feel better about smiling and your overall appearance. There are plenty of products out there designed to whiten your teeth, but how do you know which is best for you? The truth is that it takes more than just a product to get whiter teeth. There are multiple steps you can take to achieve a better smile. Below are a few easy tips.

Good Dental Hygiene

Achieving whiter teeth starts with the basics. At a bare minimum, brush your teeth twice a day. One out of every five Americans brushes less than twice a day, according to the New York Post. When you do brush, don’t brush too hard, as that can damage your teeth’s enamel. Also, be sure to floss so you can remove bacteria between your teeth. Finally, also consider using a mouthwash that has a brightening element. That can strengthen your enamel, kill bacteria, and help you get whiter teeth.

Watch What You Consume

Your diet has a big impact on the brightness of your teeth. Foods that are high in sugars can actively attack your teeth and cause them to get darker in appearance. Coffee and tobacco can create deep stains. Also, some foods can help you brighten your teeth. For example, foods like cauliflower and celery scrub your teeth and help clean them. So do hard cheeses. These foods can actually help your teeth get whiter.

Consult With Your Dentist

Perhaps the best step you can take to achieve whiter teeth is to consult with a local cosmetic dentist. They can tell you which products work well and which don’t. They can even tell you which over-the-counter whitening products do more harm than good. For instance, some common teeth whiteners actually damage your enamel. Staff at Phillips & Schmitt can recommend other options, like custom bleaching trays, or over-the-counter whitening strips. Give us a call today to discuss what is best for you.

Ready to brighten your teeth? Contact Phillips & Schmitt Dentistry today.