Get your teeth whiter at Orchard Dental Associates!

If you have noticed that your teeth aren’t as white as they used to be and you are looking to get your teeth whitening done just in time for Valentine’s Day, as your local Corpus Christi dentist, Orchard Dental Associates can provide that service right in our office in as little as an hour! 

Proper care starts at home.

Before you begin to weigh your teeth whitening options, it’s important to remember that your oral hygiene routine begins at home with proper brushing and flossing.

Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day. It’s also recommended you wait about a half hour after you eat so that your saliva can finish balancing out the pH in your mouth.

The best way to ensure you are brushing all of your teeth is to break your mouth into quadrants and spend at least 30 seconds in each quadrant of your mouth, making sure to brush the front, tops, backs, and sides of each of your teeth. For the best results, make sure you are using products that are recommended by the American Dental Association by looking for the ADA seal on any tooth care product you purchase. 

Orchard Dental Associates also recommends that you look for toothpaste and mouthwash that contain fluoride. Fluoride is a natural occurring mineral that helps to fortify your teeth and limit the possibility for cavities when you are brushing your teeth properly.

Here’s a fun fact: The toothpaste on toothbrushes that you see in advertisements is actually waaay too much toothpaste for the average brush. Not only is it a waste of paste (and money), but it exposes your teeth to too much fluoride. To be on the safe side, aim to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, which will ensure you get the thorough coverage you need. 

The Orchard Dental Associates staff also suggests flossing daily to help eliminate food particles that can get stuck between your teeth. While flossing, remember to curve the dental floss so that it is gently rubbing on all surfaces of your teeth to remove any tartar buildup. You also want to make sure you floss along the gumline by making a C-shape with the floss, and push against the bottom of your teeth to ensure that any trapped food particles under the gums can be freed.

Avoid teeth staining foods.

If you are looking to take steps at home to keep your teeth white, there are some foods and drinks you should avoid. The most popular drinks that should be avoided are coffee, colas, and red wine because they contain tannins. Tannins are molecules that can stick to other compounds, and since tannins are dark, they can make your teeth appear darker in color than they should be. Foods that can cause staining on your teeth are those that are dark red in color, like berries and tomato-based pasta sauce.

This doesn’t mean you need to stop drinking coffee and red wine or avoid berries altogether. Dentists say that you can enjoy these foods and beverages in moderation. Dentists also advise that you brush your teeth a half hour after consuming these foods and drinks to help diminish the effects of staining.

While daily brushing can help to avoid stains, teeth can lose their brightness because of normal wear and tear over time. If you are concerned about the shade of your teeth, one of the members of the Orchard Dental Associates team can give you options for brightening your smile.

Teeth whitening by Valentine’s Day.

If you feel your teeth aren’t as white as they used to be, consider getting your teeth whitened as a present to yourself this Valentine’s Day.

At Orchard Dental Associates, we offer the Opalescence Boost whitening system. This is done in our Corpus Christi office in about an hour. Opalescence Boost is a professional whitening system that uses  whitening gel with potassium nitrate and fluoride to whiten your teeth, and you can achieve impressive results. This system is safe and reduces sensitivity, and it can even protect your teeth from cavities! You will begin seeing results from the Opalescence Boost whitening system in about an hour.

If you’re interested in brightening your smile with a teeth whitening treatment, give Orchard Dental Associates a call, and set up a consultation today!