Bend, Oregon is known for many things, including its booming rafting scene along the Deschutes River. Rafting enthusiasts in this area are in good company — the rough waters no doubt have made their teeth a bit yellow, brown, or stained over time. In this piece, we will provide some dental care tips for Bend’s rafting enthusiasts to help reverse the effects of their whitewater adventures.
Common Causes of Teeth Discoloration
Many everyday items can stain and discolor your teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking. Intrinsic stains occur under the hard outer surface of your teeth, called enamel. Teeth can also become stained over time, due to aging, enamel wearing away, and general wear and tear.
Ensure Optimal Diet for Dental Health
Your diet plays a crucial role in the color and health of your teeth. Foods such as apples, cheese, celery, broccoli, and yogurt all contain nutrients that are good for your teeth. Avoiding sugary, refined, and starchy foods is also important to preserve the condition of your teeth.
Using Home Tooth-Whitening Kits
Home tooth-whitening kits contain carbamide peroxide, a bleach that can remove both deep and surface stains from the natural color of your teeth. However, before you begin a whitening regimen, it’s important to get a dental clearance for any cavities or dental disease. This will help limit any side effects like tooth sensitivity that could occur as a result of whitening.
Using Whitening Toothpaste
There is a variety of teeth-whitening toothpastes on the market today, usually containing an abrasive ingredient like silica that can help scrub your tooth’s surface. Low concentrations of bleaching agents, such as hydrogen peroxide, may also be present to give a brighter, whiter finish. However, it’s important to note that whitening toothpastes do not make teeth significantly whiter.
How to Get Brighter, Whiter Teeth
The best way to get brighter, whiter teeth is to visit your dentist for a professional whitening treatment. Your dentist can provide advice on techniques such as LED whitening, bleaching, and porcelain veneers. If you’re unable to make an appointment, there are some alternatives that you can do at home. These include oil-pulling, whitening strips, and brush-on whitening kits.
The 9 Golden Rules for White, Healthy Teeth
Following these tips will help to keep your teeth pearly white and healthy:
- Brush twice a day: Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time.
- Floss daily: Flossing removes plaque and bacteria in between your teeth, where brushing cannot reach.
- Visit your dentist for regular cleanings: Schedule a dental cleaning every six months to ensure your mouth is healthy.
- Cut out bad habits: Avoid habits like smoking, which can stain and discolor teeth.
- Chew sugar-free gum: Chewing sugar-free gum helps stimulate saliva production, which prevents cavities.
- Reduce sugar intake: Minimize your intake of sugary foods and drinks.
- Use a mouth wash: Use a mouthwash regularly to kill bacteria in your mouth.
- Eat crunchy fruits and veggies: Eating crunchy fruits and veggies like apples and carrots can help remove plaque buildup.
- Rinse your mouth after eating: Rinse your mouth with water after eating to get rid of food particles that can cause cavities.
Conclusion
While whitewater rafting can certainly take a toll on your teeth, it doesn’t have to be a worry. With the right dental care tips for Bend’s rafting enthusiasts, whitewater rafters can maintain a beautiful, healthy smile — even after their adventures. Be sure to follow the 9 golden rules for white, healthy teeth outlined above — and don’t forget to visit your dentist for regular checkups. With the right oral friends and habits, whitewater rafters in Bend, Oregon, can have a pearly white and healthy smile for years to come.