Whitening the natural way

There are a couple of easy and cost effective ways to keep your teeth looking whiter and brighter, naturally. Chairman of the ADA’s Oral Health Committee, Dr Peter Alldritt, says the best way to keep a healthy white smile is to maintain good oral health.

Practising good oral hygiene is a basic way to assist in making your teeth look whiter naturally. Brushing and flossing your teeth daily assists in removing surface stains on your teeth.

For healthier and better looking teeth, you should:

Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste

Floss your teeth daily

Chew sugar-free gum if advised by your dentist

Drink water throughout the day

Consume a sensible diet

Visit your dentist regularly for a professional clean

What to avoid:

Extrinsic stains are superficial stains found on the surface of the tooth, which are caused by dental plaque, tars (in tobacco), tannins, coloured foods and frequent use of certain mouthwashes. Common foods and beverages that stain teeth include:

herbal and black tea

coffee

red wine

spicy foods like curries

Smoking cigarettes also causes unsightly stains on teeth, which can be extremely difficult to remove.

Extrinsic stains on the tooth’s surface can be removed by a dentist performing a professional scale and clean.