One of the most common questions we’ve been asked in recent months is how to brighten teeth effectively. Over Covid (and the numerous lockdowns) many people drank more tea and coffee, and let’s be honest, many of us drank more red wine that usual. These are just some of the things which can cause deep staining, and combined with perhaps missing a hygiene appointment over lockdown may have dulled your smile.

A healthy, sparkling smile makes you feel better, boosting your self-esteem and confidence. We want you to have the confidence to smile without fear… so what can you do to brighten your smile?

Make dental hygiene a part of your daily healthcare routine

An electric toothbrush is one of the best tools for cleaning your teeth. However, if you prefer to stick to a manual, find yourself a good quality toothbrush that feels right for you. You need to be brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Make sure you remember to replace your toothbrush every three months.

Mouthwash will swirl away any lingering food particles, but don’t use it just after brushing as it will also rinse away the fluoride from your toothpaste. It will also freshen your breath, like sugar-free chewing gum. Chewing gum is an excellent way to care for teeth and gums between meals.

Sticking to a regular schedule of dental check-ups every few months will give you peace of mind. Your hygienist will remove tartar and staining from your teeth that you may have missed with your toothbrush alone.

Keep to a healthy diet

Many foods and drinks contain tannins and chromogens, which stain your teeth. Over time, you will notice your smile starting to lose its brightness. Tea, coffee, red wine, cola and curry are just a few of the major culprits, but tannins and chromogens are also present in grapes, pomegranates, berries, rhubarb, squash, chickpeas and beans. These foods are packed with nutritional value; therefore it is unadvisable to eliminate these foods from your diet, but cutting back on the naughtiest and least nutritious foods and drinks such as tea, chocolate and sweets can really help. Perhaps some substitutions?

Try a delicious herbal tea or eating a piece of fruit instead of sipping a fruit juice. It is also wise to avoid any foods that are artificially brightly coloured such as sweets, ice lollies and most soft drinks. Many sauces also contain artificial colours; the dye is aggressive and easily transfers to your teeth.

To try and reduce the impact of staining as you go, you could also try to drink a glass of water after consumption of food and drinks to wash away any lingering residue. Drinking more water is an important health benefit but tap water in particular is fantastic for tooth health because it contains fluoride. Consider using a straw; this will push liquids to the back of the mouth rather than coating your teeth.

Stop smoking

Smoke can cause a stain that soaks deeply into the tooth enamel. There are numerous health benefits to quitting, as smoking also damages healthy gums, which creates pockets of dark space around the teeth, making them appear longer. Smoking also makes it very difficult to reverse the effect of effects of gum disease and puts you at more risk of tooth loss.

Professional treatments are more affordable than ever

Tooth whitening is a safe and gentle way to a brighter, more youthful smile. The London Holistic Dental Centre offers many options to give you the beautiful smile you have always wanted. For the most spectacular results we have ever seen, nothing can beat Enlighten deep bleaching, the latest teeth whitening system from America that’s making waves around the world. For those who prefer the flexibility and control of whitening at home we have several choices including Day White which is used for as little as 1 hour per day for 10-14 days or Polar Night teeth whitening which works while you sleep! We can tailor the perfect treatment to fit your lifestyle.

Call Laune for more details on 020 7487 5221.