One of the most common things dental patients want is to get a whiter smile. Thanks to everyday things like our morning cup of coffee or tea, or the occasional glass of red wine, our teeth are constantly exposed to foods and drinks that can easily cause them to become dull or discolored. However, your dentist in Reno also knows that there are things you can eat and drink that can actually help improve the appearance of your smile. Let’s check out a few.

Broccoli
We know that broccoli may not be the most popular choice of vegetables, but it’s first on our list of smile whitening foods for a reason. In fact, broccoli can help improve the look of our teeth in two ways. First, the texture of raw broccoli essentially acts as a gentle scrubber and can effectively rub off surface stains. Additionally, broccoli is loaded with iron which, according to research by the European Journal of Dentistry, can protect tooth enamel from acid and keep it from wearing away. This can keep enamel tough, strong, and looking as white as ever.

Apples
Switching from veggies to fruits, apples provide similar benefits to broccoli. Raw apples, in particular, also rub away stains as we chew them thanks to their crunchy texture. Apples also contain malic acid — an enzyme that has been linked to increased saliva production. Increased saliva neutralizes acid, protects enamel, and can wash away loose stains.

Pineapple
Another fruit that can help with tooth stains is pineapple. This delicious fruit is loaded with bromelain. Bromelain is known to help with inflammation and is a natural cleanser. In fact, the International Journal of Dental Hygiene conducted a study that concluded that bromelain can safely and effectively remove tooth stains.

Cheese
Dairy foods and drinks, including yogurt, milk, and cheese are great for oral health as well as tooth staining. Foods in this food group contain a trifecta of good stuff like calcium, vitamin D, and lactic acid. The calcium and vitamin D help keep tooth enamel strong, which also helps keep teeth looking white. The lactic acid, on the other hand, is really great at fighting off bacteria and decay. Just like broccoli and apples, hard cheeses can also scrub away surface stains.

Water
The last thing and perhaps the most important thing that you can do to protect your oral health and keep your teeth white is to drink plenty of water,  and choose water over other beverages whenever possible. Water helps to neutralize the acid that can attack enamel, and is also really effective at rinsing away food particles. If these particles aren’t removed quickly they can lead to decay and cavities, and, in turn, tooth discoloration.

If you’re one of the many people who wish that they had a whiter smile, try getting a good dose of the foods above. It’s important to note, however, that while these foods can help whiten teeth, they may only be effective on minor surface stains. Deeper tooth staining may require a visit to your dentist in Reno. Some stains are tougher than others, and your dental team will be able to recommend the best smile whitening treatment for your specific case. Don’t worry, there are many options available –  from professional teeth whitening to cosmetic dentistry – that can help you get the smile you’ve always wanted.

There are a number of different problems that can make a person reluctant to show off their smile. The presence of chips or cracks, developmental flaws, and discoloration can cause embarrassment and frustration. Fortunately, your Reno, NV dentist’s office can provide cosmetic smile care that addresses these different issues. When an individual wants to correct multiple issues, and ensure lasting improvements, porcelain veneers can be recommended. When you use porcelain veneers to address smile flaws, you can hide many superficial concerns with just one procedure. Your dentist can talk to you about what to expect from veneers, or any other cosmetic procedure, during a consultation. Continue reading “Taking Care Of Those Unsightly Smile Flaws With Veneers” →

Are you stuck with those frustrating flaws that negatively affect your smile? With the right cosmetic dental procedure, you can see impressive changes to the way you look. Your Reno, NV dentist offers multiple treatments, and can help you find one that gives you the kind of results you would love to show off. While different individuals will have their own concerns, patients generally come in seeking help with problems like dental discoloration, damages, or teeth that appear to be misshapen, or poorly aligned. If you know you want to make changes, but feel unsure of what would be helpful, schedule a consultation to learn more. Your dentist can connect you to the right procedure – if your problems are related to dental health, they can talk to you about how the right restorative treatment can have benefits for your smile, and your oral health. Continue reading “Quiz: Solving Smile Concerns With Cosmetic Treatment” →

How many positive cosmetic changes can you make when you have porcelain veneers affixed to your teeth? With this single procedure, it becomes possible to make a stunning smile transformation. The first step in the process will involve taking measurements to determine the size for your veneers, and preparing your smile for their placement. When these custom cosmetic restorations are ready, your dentist will permanently bond them over the front of your teeth, where they will cover up whatever issues might be affecting the way you look. Modern cosmetic dental work can do amazing things for your smile. If you want to find out what approach is the right one for you, arrange a time to discuss your interest with your dentist. Continue reading “Porcelain Veneers Put Amazing Smile Changes Within Reach” →