Tips for a Whiter Smile

Dentist in West Orange, NJ

If there is one common trait that the team at Northfield Dental Group has noticed about our patients, it is that just about all of them wish they had a whiter smile. Fortunately, we have some solid solutions for preventing and addressing the teeth discoloration that can occur in your mouth.

Brush Daily

No doubt you hear this advice incessantly, but with good reason — brushing twice a day is critical for your overall health and keeping your smile whiter and more attractive. It may be obvious, but do not skip this step!

Get Regular Dental Cleanings

Check-ups are not just about cavities — they also leave you with a brighter smile. In these appointments, your hygienist will work to remove surface stains and polish your teeth, which should leave a whiter appearance. Furthermore, when the hygienist smooths out your enamel, it helps to prevent future stains.

Improve Your Diet

What you consume has a strong effect on the color of your teeth. Foods and drinks known to cause stains include:

  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Cola
  • Wine (especially red)
  • Dark berries
  • Soy sauce

It is also advisable to watch the acidic foods you eat like citrus fruits, pickles, tomato sauces and — again — coffee because they can wear away at your enamel which leaves you more susceptible to teeth discoloration.

Fortunately, not all dietary suggestions are about avoidance. There are some foods that can actually help whiten your teeth naturally, such as:

  • Celery
  • Apples
  • Strawberries
  • Cheese/dairy
  • Broccoli

Seek Teeth Whitening Treatment

Even if you actively take steps to prevent future discoloration, that will not not necessarily fix the yellowing that has transpired from years of bad habits. To reverse previous damage, the smartest bet is to get your teeth professionally whitened.

At Northfield Dental Group, we offer a hydrogen peroxide-based treatment that can leave your teeth as much as eight shades whiter. The whole process is done in under an hour, and the results tend to last for at least a year, provided you continue to take care of your teeth in that time.

Try Dental Veneers

If the color is just one of many complaints you have about your teeth, you may be a good candidate for dental veneers. With veneers, you can choose the size, shape, straightness and color of your teeth to give you the kind of smile you have always dreamed of.

To discuss any of these teeth whitening options with a doctor at Northfield Dental Group, call (973) 736-0111 for an appointment.