If you feel unhappy about the current color of your teeth, talk to our cosmetic dentists to find targeted ways to brighten your smile. They can provide teeth whitening treatment in which they carefully apply bleaching gel that lifts stubborn tooth stains to make your smile pearly white.
Once you complete this cosmetic treatment, you will want to ensure these effects last for as long as possible. Follow your dentist’s aftercare guidelines to avoid forming new stains on your smile. And read on to find advice from your dentist that will allow you to maximize cosmetic dental benefits from your professional teeth whitening treatment.
Avoid Consuming Staining Agents
A common reason you develop discolored teeth is because of the foods and beverages you consume. Dark-colored items get this color from naturally occurring substances called tannins. As you eat and drink these items, tannins absorb into your enamel and leave dark stains behind on your smile.
Professional teeth whitening uses bleaching agents to lift and remove these dark stains from the surface of your teeth. But if you continue to consume dark foods and drinks, you could form new stains that will undo your results.
Be careful when consuming these types of foods after whitening treatment:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Cola
- Berries (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Tomato sauce
- Curry
- Soy sauce
- Beetroot
- Balsamic vinegar
Continue Good Oral Hygiene
You can ensure your teeth stay strong enough to resist surface stains and other dental problems by keeping them clean. This means practicing consistent oral hygiene the right way.
Your mouth’s natural bacteria will travel across your teeth to create a film of plaque. Then excess bacteria can eat away at your dental structure. This weakens your teeth and makes them more susceptible to cosmetic dental issues. So, make sure to clean plaque and other build-up to avoid dental damage.
You must brush your teeth at least twice a day, morning and night, and floss daily to complete a good oral hygiene regimen. Brushing your teeth alone can’t get rid of all plaque between your teeth. So don’t skip flossing, and visit your dentist.
Attend Regular Dental Check-Ups
Proper oral hygiene is not complete with just at-home care. You’ll need to visit your dentist and let them thoroughly clean your teeth on a professional level. Your toothbrush may leave some plaque on your teeth that can harden to tartar.
A dentist will scrape away plaque, tartar, and more. Then your smile can stay clean and healthy and therefore look its best. The dentist also examines your teeth and gums for signs of dental concerns that could also impact the way your smile looks and works.
These appointments also make prime opportunities to talk to your dentist about touch-ups for your whitening treatment. With proper care, teeth whitening will last for up to three years.
Use a Straw for Staining Beverages
Even if you try to cut back on drinks like coffee, tea, or soda, you might still want to enjoy them from time to time. One simple trick to reduce staining is to use a straw. This helps the liquid bypass your front teeth, limiting direct contact with the enamel. While it won’t completely prevent staining, it can slow it down and help your whitening results last longer.
For hot drinks like coffee or tea, consider letting them cool slightly before using a straw to avoid burning your mouth. Pairing this habit with regular brushing and rinsing with water after drinking can go a long way in keeping your teeth looking bright.
Consider Touch-Up Treatments
Even with the best care, teeth naturally pick up stains over time. You might want to schedule touch-up whitening treatments. Your dentist can recommend the best timeline based on your habits and how long your results last.
In some cases, at-home whitening kits can help extend your results between professional treatments. However, it’s important to use these products as directed to avoid sensitivity or uneven whitening. By keeping up with good oral care and occasional touch-ups, you can enjoy a dazzling smile for years to come.