5 Things your Cosmetic Dentist Recommends for a Whiter Smile

The stats are in: people tend to create a first impression based on your smile. Now is the time for you to consider how you can get and keep your smile its whitest.

1.     Stay away from staining foods and drinks

         a. A white smile isn’t just cosmetics, it is a true reflection of how healthy your smile is. If you find your smile is not as white as you’d like, your cosmetic dentist will recommend being mindful of what foods you are eating and drinking. A diet that increases the amount of some fruits and vegetables that have a high concentration of water can help reduce the staining on your teeth.

2.     Use a dentist prescribed whitening system - either take home or in office

         a.  There are plenty of whitening options available to you in the office and in the dental aisle at the grocery store. Unfortunately not all whitening products are created equal, nor is all staining the same. Be careful about which products you purchase. In fact, it’s probably best to ask for a recommendation from your cosmetic dentist before you purchase anything in order to get a product that is going to provide the results you are looking for.

3.     Veneers are an easy way to cover resistant stains, fix chips, or to re-shape teeth.

         a. Veneers are a thin covering that goes over the front portion of your teeth to enhance your smile. They will require a couple of visits to your dentist, but when completed can help restore a smile to a beautiful, healthy look.

   4. See your dentist regularly

           a.      The easiest way to keep up on your dental health and ensure your smile looks the way you want is to remove the build-up that accumulates on your teeth after eating by visiting your dentist on a regular basis. This will allow any food, plaque or calculus build-up that hasn’t been removed through brushing, to be taken care of.

5. Wear a particular shade of red lipstick   

         a. Red lipstick in the correct shade allows your smile to stand out. "Choose a true red color – not too blue, nor too orange in tone to get the best tooth brightening power," suggests Dr. Judy Strutz.