Brush Twice a Day
Your dentist would like it if you would brush three times a day, but most people don't take a toothbrush with them to work so they can brush midday. Instead, make sure to use your toothbrush each morning before you wake up and before you go to bed.
Moving it straight up and down can cause damage to sensitive gums. It's important to brush for at least two minutes and most dentists uncover that while their patients think they're brushing long enough, they're really not.
Flossing
Although most people say they do, your gums give you away so your dentist and hygienist can tell when you're being less than truthful. Most people don't floss, even though they know they should.
There are a number of different products available to help you floss. Many people find these plastic picks easier to navigate and they're quite popular. These picks can easily slide between teeth near the gums.
If your gums bleed when you floss, don't stop. Make sure you're being gentle with the floss and if you're doing it right, you should see the bleeding subside in a few days or weeks.
Avoid Junk Food
If you want white teeth, regular brushing will help, but you can stop the dulling before it even begins by avoiding certain foods and drinks. Coffee, tea, and red wine are some of the beverages with the biggest potential for dulling your smile.
Over the counter whitening products will help, but the effect could take weeks to see. Many dentists will perform a whitening procedure right there in their office. Although it's not typically covered by dental insurance, it's possible to see a noticeable difference after just one visit.
Keeping your smile in the best condition definitely includes regular dental visits, but you'll need to work on it at home.