You’re never fully dressed without a smile – but if your teeth are stained or discolored, you may not feel confident in sharing your grin. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening and veneers can correct these problems, and at-home care can help maintain your pearly whites. Here are three tips to keep your teeth whiter and stronger between dentist visits.

How to Keep Your Smile Bright & Healthy

Brush or Rinse After Every Meal

Do more than the minimum twice-daily maintenance: brush your teeth or rinse with mouthwash after every meal. If you work away from home or are on the go during the day, carry a travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste tube to brush after lunch. Alternatively, keep a travel-size mouthwash bottle in your bag or desk drawer to use after snacks and coffee breaks. Brushing or rinsing after you eat and drink will help remove food particles that lead to stains and buildup. Not only will this keep your mouth healthier and your smile whiter, but it’ll also keep your breath fresh all day.

Avoid Food & Beverages That Stain

Coffee and tea are common culprits in staining teeth. If you can’t imagine cutting out tea and coffee completely, consider reducing your intake or drink these liquids through a straw to limit their contact with your tooth enamel. Other drinks to limit include red wine and soda, which can damage enamel and cause stains.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum

ADA®-approved, sugar-free gum is a treat that can actually help your oral health. Chew gum for about five minutes after meals to stimulate saliva production and remove trapped food bits. Gum sweetened with xylitol, a natural sweetener, can also strengthen enamel and protect teeth from harmful bacteria and stains.

In addition to the above tips, visiting your dentist for biannual cleanings is an essential part of any strong health regimen. If you’re a Middlebury, CT, resident, turn to Joy K. Lunan DDS for all of your general and cosmetic dentistry needs. With over 20 years of experience, she’s one of the area’s most trusted dentists. Call (203) 598-7920 to schedule an appointment and visit her website to learn more about her practice.