Having a pearly white smile is a dream for many people. Luckily, there are lots of things you can do, even on a slim budget, to achieve that smile. From routine oral hygiene and home whitening treatments to teeth alignment devices like veneers and aligners, the world of aesthetic dentistry has advanced by leaps and bounds over the years. Here are five simple yet valuable tips for getting that perfect smile.

Brush with the right toothbrush
Brushing is the most important pillar for maintaining oral health. When done regularly, it helps eliminate the dirt, grime, and bacteria in the mouth. However, it is essential to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be gentle. Brushing with a hard brush or being too aggressive could erode the enamel, making your teeth appear more yellow.

Make regular visits to the dentist
Keeping up with your dental appointments is essential. Visit the dentist once every six months or every year to flag any potential dental risks and maintain optimal oral health.

Opt for aligners or other teeth-straightening procedures
There are plenty of procedures for those worried about a crooked smile, but braces and invisible aligners are perhaps the most popular for addressing the issue. If you want a quick fix to make your smile more aesthetic, check out other procedures at your dentist’s office, like shaping, veneers, or bonding.

Shaping involves filing the teeth to appear in line with the rest of the smile. Veneers are made from porcelain or other composite materials and attached on top of the teeth to cover blemishes or imperfections. For those with gaps in their teeth, bonding is a quick and painless way of covering crevices or holes and hiding stains to give the appearance of perfectly aligned teeth.

Try teeth whitening home remedies
If you just want to cover stains or hide yellowing teeth, there are plenty of home remedies apart from the procedures available at a dentist’s office. Two valuable examples include applying teeth whitening strips over the teeth and brushing with baking soda or hydrogen peroxide. Although they do not provide instant results, home remedies can help achieve a pearly white smile in the long run.

Avoid staining foods
Many foods have the potential to stain our teeth and make them appear yellow or brown. Some common culprits include:

Tea and coffee
These beverages contain tannins, which lead to staining. So, opt for a herbal or a lighter cup of tea and use a straw when possible.

Fruit juices
Dark-colored fruit juices like cranberry, blueberry, and grape juice can stain the teeth.

Cola
Dark-colored soda can not only stain the teeth but also erode the enamel due to its high sugar content.

Tomato-based sauces
Tomatoes are intensely pigmented and can impart a yellowish hue to the teeth. Moreover, they are acidic, increasing the risk of enamel erosion.

Balsamic vinegar
Balsamic vinegar is naturally dark in color and acidic, properties that may lead to staining and enamel wear-off.

Try to limit these foods or look for alternatives for maintaining oral health. Also, rinse your mouth every time you eat these foods to minimize the risk of staining.