A bright smile not only looks great, it could improve your chances at landing a girlfriend. According to a recent study by Match.com,
71 percent of women say that they judge a man based on his teeth.
Translation: Having a brilliant smile will actually help you be more
attractive to women. “A smile can be very inviting—having a whiter smile
is engaging and exciting," says Beverly Hills-based dentist Arthur
Glosman.
Dating isn’t the only place where whiter teeth play a key role. Kelton Research,
an independent research firm, found that your smile might also
contribute to securing a dream job. Results have shown applicants are 58
percent more likely to get a job offer and 53 percent more likely to be
offered an increased salary if their teeth are white. The takeaway? A
sparkling smile can make you stand out among a sea of applicants.
“Having a whiter smile highlights personal self-image and leaves a
memorable mark on the interview,” says Dr. Glosman.
Of course,
there are the usual whitening methods: toothpaste, mouthwash, gums, and
expensive professional treatments. There are also easy, everyday habits
that can help brighten your smile. Here are 9 simple ways to make your
teeth their whitest—and the habits you should break, too.
DON’T:
Use baking soda
Baking
soda may be a multi-talented cleaner for your home, but not for teeth.
This chemical compound is an abrasive, meaning that it will help remove
stains, but it can also be harmful. After continued use, it can begin to
wear away enamel, which will cause your teeth to darken.
Eat dark foods
There
are some surprising foods and condiments that Manhattan-based dentist
Dr. Debra Glassman puts on her “Do Not Eat” list. Avoid marinara sauce,
blueberries, and soy sauce, she says, because foods with very dark
pigmentation can cause staining. (Of course, there are plenty of good
reasons to keep blueberries in your diet.)
Guzzle energy drinks
In
addition to the usual staining suspects (coffee, tea, and red wine),
stay away from energy drinks. The acid they contain can have the same
eroding effects as eating citrus fruits, only your your teeth are
bathing in it. Still want your pick-me-up? Drinking beverages through a
straw can protect your teeth, Dr. Glassman suggests.
DO:
Swap out your toothbrush
A
whiter smile could be as easy as throwing out your old toothbrush.
According Dr. Glosman, “Replace a toothbrush every three months, or as
soon as you see the majority of the bristles begin to bend and look worn
down.” After the bristles are worn down, your toothbrush isn’t cleaning
your teeth properly.
Brush your tongue
Brushing
your tongue isn’t only about having fresh breath. Dr. Glassman says it
can also help prevent staining. Your tongue accumulates bacteria, which
can eventually lead to discoloration. Use a soft toothbrush and long
strokes starting at the very back of the tongue, rinsing your brush
after each stroke. This will help remove the bacteria on the brush
without re-depositing it on your tongue.
Rinse with apple cider vinegar
While
it isn’t as effective as other, more mainstream whitening treatments,
it is a natural and organic way to maintain a healthy smile. Dr.
Glassman recommends rinsing with two parts water to one part apple cider
vinegar, and swishing the solution around for one minute.
Eat raw fruits and veggies
Eating fruits, vegetables, and other crunchy foods is good for your body and
your teeth. Dr. Glosman says that eating nuts, raw carrots, apples, and
cauliflower can help keep your teeth clean by removing surface stains
and plaque that leads to cavities.
Use gel trays instead of strips
Experts
are divided on the effectiveness of whitening strips. Dr. Glassman says
she’s not a fan of strips because they don’t distribute the whitening
paste evenly. Teeth are usually darkest near the gum line, where the
strips can’t reach. Instead, she recommends using whitening gel trays.
Rinse with water after eating oranges
Although
they’re a good go-to for vitamin C, citrus fruits, such as lemons and
limes, contain acid that erodes tooth enamel. This can make teeth stain
more easily. The fix? Make sure to rinse your mouth out with water
immediately after eating these fruits to wash the destructive acid off
your teeth.
Now that we've got your teeth whiter, here are 5 things that can do lasting damage to your mouth. Avoid them.
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