No matter what your outfit plans are for the big Valentine’s date night, a bright, sparkling smile will be your best accessory. In addition to regular brushing and flossing, keep your pearly whites looking their whitest with these tips:

Skip the morning coffee.

It might be tough to forgo your morning cup of joe, but your teeth will thank you for it. Coffee, along with tea and red wine, are some of the biggest culprits of teeth stains, and the acidity can actually wear away tooth enamel. If you can’t live without your Keurig, make sure to rinse with water after drinking.

Steer clear of darker foods.

Pigments in foods like marinara sauce, blueberries, even soy sauce and balsamic dressing can stain teeth, leaving them looking dark and dull. (One exception: even though strawberries are red, they actually help whiten your teeth thanks to malic acid, and the vitamin C content can help fight plaque build-up).

But load up on crunchy fruits and veggies.

Because they’re naturally abrasive, snacking on crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and celery can help clean teeth and remove stains without damaging tooth enamel.

Toss your toothbrush.

If your toothbrush is more than three months old, it’s time to make a swap. This simple change is an easy way to get a whiter smile.

Pick a smart lipstick.

Ladies, this won’t actually whiten teeth, but choosing a blue-based red or coral lipstick can help your pearly whites appear whiter (and give that new dress a big boost).

You can also visit Hudson Oaks Family Dentistry for an expert whitening treatment. Professional whitening treatments offer the best results in the shortest amount of time, and leave you with a bright, youthful-looking smile. Schedule your appointment now, and have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

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