The holiday season is a wonderful time of year that many people look forward to sharing with family and friends. However, while Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and more are lots of fun to celebrate, most of these holidays involve eating and drinking foods that can stain your teeth.
If you want to keep your teeth looking white while around family and friends this holiday season, this guide is here to help. Get tips on teeth whitening from the professionals at Smart Dental Care.
Maintain White Teeth This Holiday Season with 10 Easy Tips
Many factors, such as diet, age, and genetics, impact the shade of your teeth. So, even if you take good care of your teeth, it’s normal to have some discoloration, staining, or yellowing. However, you can still follow some simple tips to keep your teeth white this winter and throughout the year.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Avoid Holiday Foods That Stain Teeth: Many drinks, such as red wine, coffee, and soda, can stain your teeth. Some food items like beets and dark berries can also stain. So, if consuming these items, consider using a straw for the drinks and brushing soon after any staining foods.
- Snack Smart: When indulging in holiday treats, opt for crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, celery, and carrots. These natural teeth cleaners can help scrub away surface stains while you chew. Cheese is also a great holiday snack that not only tastes amazing but also promotes healthy teeth. Its calcium content strengthens enamel, and it can help neutralize acids from other foods and drinks.
- Drink Water Between Staining Liquids or Food Items: While you don’t have to cut out all these delicious items during your holiday celebrations, consider flushing your mouth with water between bites or sips.
- Limit Sugary Treats: While it’s hard to resist holiday cookies and candies, excessive sugar can lead to plaque buildup and discoloration. Try to balance your sweet intake with healthier options or follow up sugary snacks with water or brushing.
- Chew Sugar-Free Gum: After meals, pop in a piece of sugar-free gum. Not only does it help freshen your breath, but chewing gum also stimulates saliva production, which naturally washes away food particles and reduces staining.
- Use Whitening Toothpaste: Swap out your regular toothpaste for one with whitening properties. While not as powerful as professional treatments, whitening toothpaste can help maintain your bright smile during the season.
- Rinse with Water After Dark Beverages: Whether you’re enjoying a warm cup of coffee by the fire or toasting with red wine at a holiday dinner, remember to rinse your mouth with water afterward to help wash away potential staining agents.
- Don’t Forget Lipstick Tricks: For an instant whitening effect, choose lipsticks with blue undertones. These can make your teeth appear whiter and brighter, complementing your festive look.
- Use a Straw: If you’re sipping on beverages like iced coffee, tea, or soda, using a straw can minimize contact between staining liquids and your teeth, helping preserve their brightness.
- Whiten Safely: If you’re trying over-the-counter whitening products during the holidays, follow the instructions carefully. Overuse or misuse can harm your enamel and lead to tooth sensitivity. If you’re not seeing the results you want, contact Smart Dental Care for a professional teeth whitening appointment instead!
Do you want to upgrade your smile for family pictures or get-togethers with loved ones this holiday season? We can help with effective, safe teeth whitening options.
Effective Teeth Whitening in Utah
At Smart Dental Care, we offer two kinds of professional teeth whitening: in-office and at-home.
At-home whitening is best for people with busy schedules who prefer applying the whitening agents at home. You’ll receive take-home kits that you can use in the comfort of your own home. This option is effective but may take a bit longer than teeth whitening in our office.
In-office whitening is best for patients who want more immediate, dramatic results, or for patients who prefer a dentist to apply the whitening agents. With in-office options, the whitening gel is applied to your teeth and remains there for a short period of time. Then, we remove the gel, and you’ll likely see a noticeable difference!
Call Today for an Appointment!
Having a bright, white smile you love can boost your self-confidence! But, if you have stains or discoloration, you’re not the only one. Many people want a brighter smile, and often, issues with the shade of your teeth aren’t your fault.
With professional teeth whitening treatments at our comfortable office, you’ll have a smile you love just in time for holiday activities. Contact Smart Dental Care today to schedule an appointment!