We all know the importance of brushing and flossing, but there are a number of other ways you can keep your teeth bright and healthy.

Everyone wants healthy teeth for a picture-perfect smile. While dental hygiene is key in maintaining your oral health, there are a few things you can do to make sure that your teeth remain as clean as possible. Here are our top tips for keeping your smile shiny and bright…

Eat fresh fruits and veggies

Incorporating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet is great for your overall health, but the benefits may also extend to your teeth and gums. Crunchy vegetables and fruits like raw carrots, celery, and apples help to clean plaque away from the surface of your teeth while you eat them. There is also a school of thought that believes that strawberries and pineapples may help to whiten the teeth — malic acid, which is found in strawberries is said to exfoliate the teeth and remove some surface stains; while one study found that pineapples contain an enzyme known as bromelain, which may help to reduce discolouration. It is important to note, however, that these theories are anecdotal, and are not backed up by extensive scientific research. Either way, fruits are packed with nutrients and make a great, healthy snack!

Prevent stains and discolouration

Many people notice that their teeth start to discolour as they age, but it is possible to prevent surface stains by limiting your intake of certain foods and drinks. Some common culprits include coffee, soda, highly pigmented berries and red wine — enjoy these in moderation and try to remember to rinse your mouth or drink some water after consumption to limit the liquids contact time with your teeth.Another way to keep your teeth clean and prevent stains is to cut back on sugary foods and drinks. Sugar encourages the growth of certain bacteria in the mouth, which leads to plaque accumulating on the surface of the teeth. Rinse your mouth after eating sugary treats and be sure to brush your teeth between meals if you snack regularly.In many cases, discolouration occurs when the enamel on the teeth begins to erode, and the yellow layer of dentin underneath is revealed. For this reason, it is important to strengthen your enamel in order to keep your teeth looking bright and white. To keep your enamel strong, make sure that you incorporate calcium-rich foods into your diet. Some great options include dairy products like milk, cheese and natural yoghurt, as well as vegetables like broccoli and leafy greens.

Brush with toothpaste alternatives

Besides brushing and flossing, there are a number of home remedies that can be helpful in keeping your teeth clean and white. Baking soda is a popular option, because it has natural whitening properties. In fact, this kitchen staple is actually a common ingredient in many commercial toothpastes. Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive, which means that it can be used to clean away stains on the surface of the teeth. As an added benefit, it helps to prevent bacteria from growing in the mouth because it creates an alkaline environment.Another product that has proven to be useful as a natural cleaning product is apple cider vinegar, which contains antibacterial properties. It can be used as a mouthwash — simply dilute with water, swirl it around in your mouth for a few minutes, and then rinse your mouth with water afterwards. While apple cider vinegar may have a bleaching effect on the teeth, it is important to note that it may also erode the enamel if used too often, so don’t use it every day if you choose to give it a try.

Get your teeth cleaned

Besides maintaining good oral hygiene habits at home, one of the best things you can do for your teeth is to have them professionally cleaned on a regular basis. We recommend that you come in every six months for a scale and polish to ensure that any accumulated plaque and tartar can be properly removed. These appointments will go a long way in helping you prevent both gum disease and tooth decay, plus your teeth will look and feel much cleaner afterwards.To make an appointment to see us, or for any oral health advice, please don’t hessite to get in touch.