Do you want to start the new year with a pearly white smile? It’s easy to let good dental hygiene habits slip during the holiday season, which can lead to stained teeth. Here are five ways to keep your teeth white as snow and have a dazzling smile throughout the holidays.

1. Keep up with daily oral hygiene.

The easiest and best way to keep your teeth white is to practice proper daily oral hygiene habits. Brushing twice a day will help remove stains and keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Also, use mouthwash and floss daily to prevent plaque from accumulating.

According to dental studies, electric toothbrushes clean better than manual toothbrushes. They are more effective at removing plaque and reducing gingivitis. Maintaining proper brushing technique is also easier since an electric toothbrush does most of the work for you.

Learn More: Should I Use a Manual or Electric Toothbrush?

2. Avoid (or at least limit) things that stain.

Coffee, black tea, and red wine are some of the most common drinks around, but they also stain your teeth. To prevent stains, it’s best to avoid these things altogether. If you do indulge, brush your teeth afterwards to help keep stains from setting.

Learn More: How What You Drink Affects Your Teeth

3. Drink more water.

Water helps prevent stains from the pigments and tannins in red wine. It also helps neutralize the acids in coffee that weaken your enamel and make your teeth more vulnerable to stains. Drinking a glass of water and then brushing your teeth 30 minutes later will help prevent stains from food and beverages.

Chewing on water-dense snacks like apples and celery can trigger saliva production and wash away bacteria. These fruits and veggies keep your teeth healthy – and also help prevent stains.

4. Schedule a dental cleaning.

Professional dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar buildup to make your teeth whiter. Scheduling an extra cleaning is a great way to maximize your dental insurance. Or make an appointment for January and start the year with a brighter smile.

Learn More: Tips to Keep Your Teeth Clean Between Dental Cleanings

5. Use an at-home whitener.

There are many at-home remedies that can whiten teeth. Brushing with baking soda occasionally helps polish teeth, and rinsing your mouth with hydrogen peroxide can help remove stains.

If you decide to try an over-the-counter whitening product, discuss it with your dentist first. Most store-bought products are safe, but some can be too harsh on your gums and enamel.

Did you know you can get professional teeth whitening kits from your dentist to use at home? We’ll fit you with custom trays and show you how to apply a whitening gel that’s safer and more effective than what you can buy at the store.

Learn More: What You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening

Happy Holidays from Atkins & Anderson DDS

You can keep your teeth white as snow this holiday season with a little extra TLC. Atkins & Anderson offers a variety of dental procedures, including general, restorative, and cosmetic services. Our experienced team excels in giving people of all ages a beautiful and healthy smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.

Your entire body works as a unit. This might sound like an obvious statement; however, we tend to separate our oral health from our overall health. In reality, the two have proved to be closely linked. The health of your heart, mind, respiratory tract and digestive system impacts your oral health–and vice versa. Learn how everything is connected and how you can protect your overall health by prioritizing your oral health.

What’s the Connection?

Your mouth is full of bacteria. While this bacteria is mostly harmless, if harmful bacteria enters your mouth, it quickly spreads to other parts of your body. Your mouth is the front door to your respiratory tract and digestive tract. Bacteria not kept at bay in your mouth can spread to other areas and may cause disease or oral infections. In most cases, oral hygiene routines can keep harmful bacteria at bay. Medications that reduce the production of saliva—antihistamines, antidepressants, decongestants, and painkillers—reduce your number one defense against bacteria growth. Saliva neutralizes acid, washes away food debris, and protects against the growth of bacteria.

How Oral Health Impacts Various Health Conditions

Below is a list of diseases or health conditions that your oral health directly impacts:

• Endocarditis: This is an infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves that occurs when bacteria from your mouth spread through your bloodstream and enter your heart.
• Cardiovascular Disease: Research suggests that heart disease, stroke, and clogged arteries are linked to the bacteria that cause inflammation and infection in your mouth.
• Pregnancy and Birth Complications: Periodontitis is linked to low birth weight and premature births.
• Pneumonia: Pneumonia and other respiratory diseases can be caused by oral bacteria pulled into your lungs.

How Health Conditions Impact Oral Health

Below is a list of health conditions that can negatively impact your oral health:

• Diabetes: Gum disease is often more frequent and severe in men and women with diabetes. People with gum disease tend to have difficulty managing their blood sugar. However, periodontal control enhances diabetes control.
• HIV/AIDS: Oral problems are commonly found in men and women with HIV/AIDS.
• Osteoporosis: Periodontal bone loss and tooth loss are commonly found in people with osteoporosis.
• Alzheimer’s Disease: As Alzheimer’s Disease progresses, oral health seems to decline.

How Can I Protect My Oral Health?

Prioritizing your oral health is critical in protecting yourself from various health problems or preventing worsening dental issues. Here’s how:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste that contains fluoride for optimum protection.
• Floss daily.
• Rinse with mouthwash as another layer of protection after your brush and floss.
• Eat a healthy diet and limit your consumption of sugary food and beverages.
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
• Avoid tobacco products.
• Schedule a routine cleaning with your dentist.

At Atkins and Anderson, DDS, we want to come alongside you to protect your teeth and gums as well as your overall health. Routine cleanings and check-ups are the best way to evaluate potential problems and protect your mouth from preventable issues. Click here to schedule an appointment today.