Maintaining a healthy white smile is on many of our minds. But we don't always know how to keep teeth pristine. Your dentist, Dr. Mildred Arucan-Masunaga, in Wahiawa, HI, has some tips to help you keep your teeth in good shape.

At-home Tips for Keeping Your Teeth White

• Brush And Floss: Brushing and flossing are probably the best way to keep teeth white. Brushing daily, after every meal, using a soft-bristled toothbrush removes food off the surface of teeth immediately. This prevents plaque buildup that creates a discolored film on teeth. Flossing also helps remove plaque buildup between teeth and under gums. If you are unsure of how to properly clean teeth, ask your Wahiawa dentist.
   
• Avoid Poor Lifestyle Choices: You should avoid eating food and drinking beverages that stain food overtime, like blueberries, coffee and tea. There are other lifestyle choices you should consider, like chewing tobacco and smoking. These lifestyle choices cause bad breath, tooth discoloration, tartar buildup teeth, increased bone loss and gum disease.
   
• Eat Healthily: Avoid sugary foods that act as food for acid-producing bacteria. The bacteria breaks down the enamel and causes serious decay that may end up needing invasive procedures, like dental implants and root canals. Eating healthy also means incorporating certain nutrients, like calcium. You need to get plenty of calcium because it protects enamel from eroding and exposing the yellow dentin underneath. Opt for calcium-rich foods, like milk, cheese, and broccoli.
   
• Take-home teeth-whitening kit: If you'd like to have your teeth whitened, you can ask your dentist for a custom teeth-whitening kit. You receive a kit containing a custom tray you put the whitening gel in and place it over your teeth. It should take about an hour and you can repeat the process until you get the desired results.

Who should you contact?

If you'd like to learn more about how to maintain white teeth, call Dr. Mildred Arucan-Masunaga of Wahiawa, HI, at (808) 622-0001 today.