As a Waco cosmetic dentist, Dr. Corbet Locke values beautiful smiles. He knows that a white, bold smile, shared with total confidence, can impact a person’s social, romantic, and professional life. Studies support this belief. It’s no wonder that cosmetic dentistry is wildly popular. The most often requested cosmetic procedure is teeth whitening. Dr. Locke offers professional teeth whitening, as well as porcelain veneers for intrinsically stained teeth. However, you can do a few things outside of the dentist’s office to keep your pearly whites pearly white!
- Avoid acidic foods and beverages
Acids actually demineralize tooth enamel, leaving it more prone to staining, as well as erosion. Citrus fruits, colas, energy drinks, and sour foods are usually highly acidic. - Avoid darkly pigmented foods and beverages
Coffee, red wine, and tea can leave dark stains on teeth. Tooth enamel is porous, like a ceramic sink or bathtub. Over time, pigments are soaked into the pores of tooth enamel, and stains make teeth look aged. - Drink with a straw
If you’re going to drink acidic and/or dark beverages, use a straw. By keeping the liquids from contacting your teeth, you’ll reduce the potential for staining. - Eat cheese before drinking wine
For years, people have eaten cheese before drinking wine. We now know, cheese leaves an oily coating on tooth enamel, and it protects teeth from staining. - Eat strawberries regularly
For a natural tooth whitener, try strawberries or green tea. Both of these foods have the unique ability to make teeth appear whiter!
If you’d like to explore professional teeth whitening, schedule a consultation with cosmetic dentist Dr. Corbet Locke by calling our Waco dental office at (254) 776-4888. We welcome patients from Waco, Woodway, McGregor, Hewitt, and surrounding communities.