If you have fun plans for Valentine’s Day, you’ll want to go looking and feeling your best! And what better way to boost your confidence than to have a dazzling white smile? Thankfully, there are a few easy ways to whiten your teeth before the day—simply follow these five easy steps!
Step 1: Try an electric toothbrush.
One of the most important things you can do to whiten your teeth is to maintain a solid dental hygiene routine. That means brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once in the evening. However, if you’d like to amplify your routine even further, you might consider swapping out your manual toothbrush for an electric one! Electric toothbrushes help to scrub your teeth at a rate of 2,500 to 8,000 strokes per minute, which is pretty significant compared to the 300 strokes per minute you get out of a manual toothbrush! This will help to scrub away plaque and debris that could otherwise make your teeth look duller.
Step 2: Avoid foods that can stain your teeth.
If you’re going to whiten your teeth in time for Valentine’s Day, you’ll want to skip the foods that are known to leave stains and discoloration. This includes coffee, tea, and wine, as well as tomato sauce, BBQ sauce, curry, and balsamic vinegar. It is also strongly advised that you keep away from the sugary substances like candy, soda, and sports drinks, as these can lead to tooth decay and make you at greater risk for tooth discoloration.
Step 3: Stick to foods that whiten as you eat!
Believe it or not, there are foods that actually whiten your teeth as you chew! Fibrous fruits and vegetables (e.g. apples, celery, carrots, and broccoli) are known to actually scrub the surfaces of your teeth with each bite, while the high water content boosts your saliva production and washes away food debris. Dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and milk are high in calcium and lactic acids that whiten your teeth and strengthen your bones as well. You might also consider eating fruits like strawberries, oranges, and pineapples. However, only do so in moderation, as citrus fruits in particular can wear down your dental enamel if eaten in excess.
Step 4: Drink plenty of water.
Staying hydrated is key to improving your health and brightening your teeth! Not only does the fluoride in tap water help to fortify your dental enamel, but also water helps to wash away staining pigments left over by your foods. Therefore, if you can’t skip your morning cup of coffee, be sure to take a swig of water immediately afterwards to help keep your teeth white!
Step 5: Book an in-office teeth-whitening treatment.
Above all, the most effective thing you can do to whiten your teeth in time for Valentine’s Day is to get an in-office whitening treatment! With just one appointment, you’ll see dramatic results that can leave your teeth up to eight shades whiter. Our Zoom! Teeth Whitening treatment will help to clear away stains left by years of daily cups of coffee in virtually no time at all.
To book your in-office teeth whitening treatment, call Caputo Dental in Naperville today!