Dreaming of a brighter smile? Searching for the best way to make those pearly whites shine? We’ve got the tips you need to reach your new year’s smile goals! Read on for 5 ways to get a brighter smile in the new year.
1. Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste is typically the easiest place to start when you’re looking for ways to get a brighter smile. You already brush your teeth regularly, so using a whitening toothpaste doesn’t take any extra effort! Whitening toothpaste can be helpful, but the results are typically limited since the toothpaste doesn’t spend a lot of time on your teeth.
2. At-home Whitening Kits
At-home whitening kits are often the next step up from whitening toothpaste. They are convenient because you can use them in the comfort of your own home. Knowing which ingredients to look for is important, though, to ensure that the products in the kit you are using are safe and effective.
3. Natural Whitening Methods
Natural whitening methods often utilize simple ingredients you already have in your pantry. However, it’s important to remember that just because something is natural doesn’t mean that it is safe. The acidic or abrasive nature of common ingredients in natural whitening methods can erode your dental enamel and irritate your gums, leading to discomfort and serious problems for your dental health in the future.
4. Professional Whitening Treatment
If you’re looking for ways to get a brighter smile with guaranteed results, a professional whitening treatment can be a great way to go. Since a professional whitening treatment is applied by a dentist, using only the best products and technology, you can be sure that it’s the safest and most effective method to get a brighter smile.
5. Professional Dental Cleaning
If you haven’t visited the dentist in a while, you might be surprised by how much a professional dental cleaning can whiten your smile! Stains from eating and drinking darkly colored foods or habits like vaping can take their toll over time and a dental cleaning can help the natural brightness of your smile shine through!Heart-shaped boxes of candy can be found on nearly every store shelf. But is Valentine’s Day candy bad for your teeth? Some candy can be tough on your teeth, but not all candy is the same! Here’s what you need to know to enjoy the holiday without compromising your dental health!
Why is Candy Bad for Your Teeth?
People often mention not wanting to eat too much candy because it could cause cavities. Is that really true? The short answer is yes, but not always! Let’s talk about why candy can be bad for your teeth.
Candy typically contains a lot of sugar. When sugar comes into contact with your saliva, it feeds the naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth, which produces acid. The resulting acid can be harmful to your dental enamel or the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth.
If sugar is in contact with your teeth very often or for prolonged periods of time, it can erode your enamel to the point that a small hole forms, which is what we call a cavity.
Better Candy Options
Now that we’ve answered the question, “Is Valentine’s Day candy bad for your teeth?” you’re probably wondering what options you have. The good news is you have lots of options! That’s because not all candy is bad for your teeth!
When shopping for candy, look for sugar-free candies. These typically contain alternative sweeteners so you can enjoy the sweetness of Valentine’s Day candy without worrying about it negatively impacting your dental health.
If you prefer regular sugar, try to find candy that isn’t sticky or chewy so that it won’t leave behind a sugary residue on your teeth. Chocolate is an excellent choice, especially dark chocolate because it melts in your mouth and easily washes away.
Ask Your Dentist!
If you have more questions like, “Is Valentine’s Day candy bad for your teeth?” don’t be afraid to ask your dentist! Your dentist will be happy to give tips on keeping your teeth healthy without sacrificing the sweetness of your favorite Valentine’s Day traditions.
Call our Provo, UT, dental office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.