Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing MI
For most people, looking their best on Valentine’s Day is not an option; it’s a must. However, when you look in the mirror, you may notice that your smile is dingy or discolored and wish it were brighter. Unfortunately, over-the-counter teeth whitening products offer limited results, especially when you need results quickly. Thankfully, there are methods to obtain a brighter smile in less time. Our Okemos cosmetic dentist, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, shares how to get whiter teeth by Valentine’s Day so that you can impress your date.
Avoid teeth-staining foods and beverages
The foods and beverages that you consume can directly impact your tooth enamel color. For example, beverages you drink, such as soda, coffee, tea, and wine, are notorious for dark pigments that easily stain tooth enamel. Additionally, the food you eat, such as tomatoes, sauces, dark berries, and foods with dye, can also cause tooth stains. Furthermore, sugary candy and sweets not only lead to tooth decay but can also increase your tooth’s vulnerability to stains and discoloration. Therefore, our skilled Lansing cosmetic dentist advises patients to stick to foods that naturally benefit their teeth, like dairy products, fibrous fruits, and vegetables like leafy greens. In addition, drinking water instead of sugary sports drinks or sodas can help reduce tooth staining and promote good oral health by reducing harmful bacteria.
Use an electric toothbrush
Although brushing your teeth can help reduce surface stains, you can amplify your results by using an electric toothbrush. Typically, electric toothbrushes use 2,500 to 8,000 strokes per minute and can be more effective when you desire to remove extrinsic things. Since a manual toothbrush merely allows 300 strokes per minute, you can imagine the significant difference in your overall cleaning results.
Stop smoking
Smoking cessation is an excellent way to stop extrinsic stains from appearing. Whether you smoke traditional tobacco, cigarettes, vape pens, or JUULs, stopping your use is a significant way to transform your smile and your oral and overall health. East Lansing’s experienced cosmetic dentist explains that cigarettes contain nicotine that changes color after coming into contact with oxygen and tar that could potentially cause your teeth to turn a brownish-black color. In addition, when these two substances combine and come in contact with dental enamel, they can be complicated to remove. Lastly, smokers are more susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay, both of which dramatically impact your appearance and overall health. Therefore, when you stop smoking, you can transform your smile and quality of life.
Schedule a dental checkup and cleaning
Visiting our Okemos dental office for regular dental checkups and cleanings can remove most of the extrinsic stains caused by everyday activities. If it has been a while since your last dental cleaning, you may be surprised at how brighter your smile can be without cosmetic treatments. Another result of your dental cleaning is noticeably fresher breath in time for Valentine’s Day.
Professional teeth whitening treatments
None of the previous whitening possibilities can match the dramatic results of professional teeth whitening treatments. Our Okemos cosmetic dentist who offers GLO teeth whitening technology can create profound results that last longer than any other teeth whitening option. Using an FDA-registered teeth whitening system that combines the patented technologies of blue LED light, warming heat acceleration, and whitening gel create accelerated results with decreased tooth sensitivity risks. GLO can keep your teeth bright and shining like new with whitening options in our dental practice or at home.
Teeth Whitening in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Brightening your smile before Valentine’s Day may lead you to seek teeth whitening treatments that provide fast results. Unfortunately, most store-bought teeth whitening products won’t deliver these results. Professional teeth whitening treatments are the most effective and longest-lasting procedures for a truly whiter smile. If you need to brighten your smile in time for Valentine’s Day and need fast results, please get in touch with our experienced Lansing cosmetic dentist, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, at Tenaglia Smiles, and ask about our GLO teeth whitening system. Feel free to call (517) 347-6733 or contact us online.