5 Tips To A Whiter Smile (Without breaking the bank) By Avalene Roberts R.D.H

I'm  sure that we can all agree that a bright healthy looking smile is attractive. What if I told you that you can keep your smile white and not break the bank? As a Registered Dental Hygienist I have seen many patients and helped many people keep a sparkly smile. Today I will tell you exactly how you can keep your teeth white with these 5 tips.  

​Have A Professional Dental Cleaning
The first step to a whiter and healthier smile is to have a professional Dental cleaning. This will remove all the calcified bacteria off your teeth and polish off the surface stain. Instantly your smile will be brighter and your breath fresher.  

Use A Recommended Over The Counter Whitening Strip
Before trying In Office Whitening I recommend starting off with an over the counter whitening strip such as Crest White Strips. Crest 3D white has been approved by The American Dental Association and has received their official seal. I have noticed significant results from patients using Crest white strips. Whitening at home first gives you a good starting place.  Some patients reach their desired results while others may need  In office treatment. While whitening, it is best to using a whitening toothpaste as well. Sensodyne True White has the lowest abrasivity on the market and helps with sensitivity from the whitening process.  

Brush With An Electric Toothbrush
​When it comes to brushes, some are more effective than others! Electric brushes simply move faster and tend to keep stain off the teeth. The Oral- B Genius and Sonicare Diamond clean electric toothbrushes are the top of the line. Both brushes are an investment and will cost you over $100. If cost is a concern, then consider The Goby electric toothbrush which is very affordible and highly effective.   

Load Up On The Strawberries
​While most berries stain teeth, Strawberries are the only berries that are proven to actually whiten teeth. Strawberries contain Malic Acid which whitens the teeth. It is widely known that brushing with Baking Soda and Strawberries are quite effective at whitening the teeth.  I would NOT recommend this as Brushing something acidic into the tooth structure with an abrasive agent will erode enamel.  Wearing away the enamel can lead to tooth sensitivity. Your best bet is to simply eat the berries.  

Rinse 
​Most of us drink Coffee, Tea and the occasional glass of Red Wine. All these thing will stain teeth and make your smile dull and darker. I recommend drinking beverages through a straw whenever you can and rinse with water immediately after. Do not brush until 30 minutes after drinking. Some beverages are acidic and can erode enamel if you brush after drinking it. Rinsing right after can make such an amazing difference. As a practicing Dental Hygienist for over 12 years, I recommend these tips to my patients. I have noticed major improvement. Some people have a deep internal darkness to their teeth and they may need additional professional In Office Dental Whitening or Porcelain Veeners to cover their enamel.  If you have any questions about brightening your smile, stop by Tribeca Smiles for a complimentary Consultation, just mention this blog post!
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Author: Avalene Roberts R.D.H 
​Avalene Roberts graduated the top of her class at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of Newark, NJ (UMDNJ), Avalene is a licensed Registered Dental Hygienist in the State of New York and New Jersey. Both enthusiastic and caring, Avalene believes that every patient deserves the best possible care and prides herself in ensuring that every experience is a comfortable one for the patient. She is a mother, the hygiene department leader at Tribeca Smiles, founder of DDS Connections, blogger, podcaster and founder of the fun Dental game Cavity Smash. 

Where to Find Her:
Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/ddsconnections Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/ddsconnections FaceBook: https://www.FaceBook.com/ddsconnections Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%94%B9avalene-roberts-rdh-6169497/
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​Disclaimer:  This blog pro­vides gen­eral infor­ma­tion and dis­cus­sion about med­i­cine, health and related sub­jects.  The words and other con­tent pro­vided in this blog, and in any linked mate­ri­als, are not intended and should not be con­strued as med­ical advice. If the reader or any other per­son has a med­ical con­cern, he or she should con­sult with an appropriately-licensed physi­cian or other health care worker. Never dis­re­gard pro­fes­sional med­ical advice or delay in seek­ing it because of some­thing you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a med­ical emer­gency, call your doc­tor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and web­site have no rela­tion to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other insti­tu­tion with which the authors are  affiliated. ​

Avalene Roberts R.D.H