As we age, teeth naturally darken and discolour. The first part is due to enamel wear, allowing the brown-coloured dentin underneath to show through. The second part is due to staining.

Here are five tips for whiter teeth, from the basic to the more advanced:

1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

It sounds obvious, but it’s essential. Brush your teeth twice a day, preferably right after meals to avoid staining. See the dentist regularly for cleaning.

2. Avoid Teeth-Staining Foods & Drinks

You’ve probably heard about the usual suspects: coffee, red wine, tea and berries. But did you know that certain candies, sports drinks and soft drinks are culprits too? They contain acids that thin the enamel and pigments that stick to your teeth, which both affect colour. Enjoy these in moderation (avoid the sugary ones if possible) and brush your teeth afterwards.

3. Don’t Smoke

Easier said than done, for the few that still smoke cigarettes. Consumed over time, nicotine and tar cause a yellowy-brown discolouration. Tobacco stains also tend to be more stubborn than other surface stains, taking longer to remove.

4. Use Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste provides a very mild bleaching effect and is safe to use on a daily basis. It’s also helpful for keeping your teeth white after a professional teeth whitening procedure.

5. Try Whitening Strips

Over-the-counter (OTC) whitening strips contain hydrogen peroxide in the treatment gel, which are placed directly on the teeth. Most people see results after a few weeks of use.

If you’ve tried these whitening tips and are still bothered by the colour of your teeth, talk to us about additional teeth whitening options.