White teeth are a sign of good health. A clean, beautiful smile looks great in photos, and it can even help you look more approachable and friendly. If your teeth have begun to yellow due to age and/or lifestyle choices, there are a few things you can do to restore them. Here are four things you can do when you're ready to have whiter teeth:

1. Use a whitening toothpaste.

Whitening toothpaste contains an active ingredient that helps lift stains from your tooth enamel. When used regularly, whitening toothpaste can keep your teeth looking cleaner than other types of toothpaste. While whitening toothpaste won't give you the same dramatic results as professional teeth whitening treatments, it can help you maintain your teeth on a daily basis.

2. Avoid acidic or staining food and drink.

The food you eat and the beverages you drink can affect your teeth. Strongly colored food and drink can stain your teeth, so you may want to limit the frequency with which you consume these items. Red wine, coffee, and tea are all dark-colored beverages that can have a staining effect. However, acidic drinks can also stain your teeth. White wine is high in acid content, which means it can also stain your teeth despite its pale color. Switch to drinking through a straw and always rinse your mouth out with fresh water after you've finished your beverage in order to minimize staining.

3. Make an appointment with a cosmetic dentist.

Not all tooth discoloration can be prevented. Some of it is caused by simple genetics, age, or necessary medications. Fortunately, a cosmetic dentist can offer professional teeth whitening services. During a teeth whitening session, your cosmetic dentist will brush a whitening treatment onto your teeth and allow it to cure for the appropriate length of time. When you leave their office, your teeth will be noticeably whiter.

4. Return for touch-ups as needed.

While professional teeth whitening will give you lasting results, your teeth may eventually become stained again due to smoking, drinking, or certain foods. You shouldn't feel like you need to give up all your favorite foods permanently just to have white teeth. You can maintain your pearly white smile by returning to your cosmetic dentist for whitening treatments on a regular basis. Talk to your dentist to find the best whitening schedule for you, and make sure to speak with a dentist who offers cosmetic dental services in your area.

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