The allure of white teeth is seductive for all of us. We want that Hollywood smile but not everyone is born for the camera, or even off the camera appearance. Dr. Mary Ali of Lodi Family Dentist in Lodi, CA, helps her patients attain and, perhaps, maintain a beautiful white smile.

What does it come down to?

It all comes down to proper preventive care. Taking proper care of your teeth can prevent cavities and gum disease. Good oral health regimen includes:

• Brushing and flossing are the first lines of defense. You need to brush and floss regularly to avoid plaque buildup. Plaque can buildup below the gums, as well as on tooth surfaces, causing bacterial infections that lead to serious diseases.
  
  
• Professional teeth cleanings during your biannual checkups eliminate hard-to-reach plaque and bacterial buildup. It also removes tartar that discolors teeth.
  
  
• You should also avoid eating and drinking food and beverages that stain teeth. While everything in moderation is usually the best approach, you should have stricter modifications when eating blueberries, and drinking too much tea and coffee. You should also just quit smoking and chewing tobacco since they stain teeth and are detrimental to your overall health.

What about people who don't have naturally white teeth or severely stained teeth?

• In-Office Teeth Whitening offers fast results. Your Lodi dentist first covers soft tissue with a thin plastic device, then applies professional-strength hydrogen peroxide gel on teeth. The gel is left for about an hour before being removed to unveil immediate results.
  
  
• Take-Home Teeth Whitening is another great technique. It's a convenient way to get teeth whiter at home. You're given a custom-made mold for your teeth (two plastic mouth trays, one for the top teeth, and the other for the bottom set of teeth). Next, fill the trays with whitening gel, place them over teeth, and wait for an hour. Repeat if necessary.

Would you like to speak to a dentist?

To get more information about proper oral care and teeth whitening, call Dr. Mary Ali of Lodi Family Dentistry in Lodi, CA, at (209) 369-2696 today!