Want Whiter Teeth? Here's How

Teeth are a funny thing. One minute they’ve got no problem tearing apart a beefy burger, and the next they’re screaming bloody murder from a seemingly harmless piece of string (that is, if you’re disciplined enough to attempt flossing at all).

Sure, teeth have bite, but they require a heck of a lot of maintenance to stick around and look good for the long haul. So at the risk of adding fuel to that fiery sermon from your dentist, we’re going to help you brush up on the basics of oral hygiene (and hopefully squeeze in some finer points in the process).

1. Avoid sugary snacks and smoking

Surprise, surprise. Throwing back a full-calorie cola during your cigarette break isn’t part of a balanced diet. But in addition to cavity-causing sugar, the acidic nature of sodas -- even diet ones -- can erode a tooth’s enamel. Lighting up will turn that enamel a repulsive shade of yellow, possibly cause oral cancer, and shave about 14 years off your expected life span. No joke.

2. Eat teeth-strengthening foods

Not all foods spell trouble for your teeth. Dairy products, for example, are loaded with calcium, which strengthens a tooth’s outer coating of enamel. Onions, on the other hand, have sulfur compounds that fight bacteria. Your breath might take a beating after chomping down on a Vidalia, but a simple stick of gum can freshen your breath and help remove plaque.

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