Working with your dentist is the best way to ensure a happy, healthy, and bright smile as you age, but it isn't the only option to consider. There are several simple things you can do at home to help keep your teeth bright and healthy between professional treatments – here are three effective options:

Enjoy Strawberries Regularly

Thanks to the astringents and vitamin C that's contained in strawberries, you can maintain a bright smile simply by enjoying these delicious fruits on a regular basis. The astringents found in strawberries will help remove surface stains from your teeth, while the vitamin C works to get rid of plaque. You can eat them fresh or frozen, add them to smoothies in the morning, or even juice them and add them to some homemade mouthwash. Make sure to rinse your mouth with water after enjoying your berries to make sure that no small seeds are left stuck between your teeth.

Brush with Activated Charcoal

Believe it or not, you can use activated charcoal as toothpaste to get rid of coffee stains and discoloring. The charcoal absorbs plaque and particles that stain teeth and helps to maintain a healthy PH balance within the mouth. Just apply the activated charcoal to your toothbrush and brush like you normally would.

If you'll be sharing the charcoal with household members, keep a small spoon or popsicle stick next to it that can be used to quickly and easily apply the charcoal to each person's toothbrush. Alternatively, you can mix the charcoal with a little strawberry juice or even commercial toothpaste to improve the flavor and make it more enjoyable to use. After brushing, rinse your mouth thoroughly to get rid of the charcoal residue.

Make Use of Essential Oils

Another effective way to keep your teeth healthy and bright between professional dental treatments is to include essential oils in your oral care regimen. You can put various essential oils in your toothpaste or mouthwash, or just dilute them in water and rinse with them. Consider using one or more of the following options a few times a week:

• Peppermint – Kills anaerobic bacteria and helps prevent gum disease.
• Clove – Acts as a germicide and inhibits bacteria growth.
• Cinnamon – Features antibacterial and antifungal properties that can prevent tooth decay.

Try a different essential oil each week until you find one or two that tastes the best to you and seems the most enjoyable to use.

These tips and tricks should be easy to incorporate into your regimen no matter how busy or complicated your life tends to be. For more tips, contact a company like Cherry Hill Dentistry LLC.