You've just had teeth whitening, and your smile is looking brighter and more radiant than ever before. But now that you've invested the time and money into achieving that dazzling grin, how do you make sure it lasts? With the right care and maintenance, you can keep your teeth looking healthy and white for months to come. Following teeth whitening, follow these 8 tips to keep your smile looking great.
Top 8 Tips to Maintain Your Bright Smile After Teeth Whitening
1. Watch What You Eat and Drink
The first rule for maintaining a white smile is to watch your consumption of tooth-staining foods and beverages. Items like red wine, coffee, tea, tomato sauce, and dark berries can quickly discolor your newly whitened teeth. Try using a straw when drinking beverages that could stain. If you do eat colored food, make sure to brush it right away to get rid of any leftover color.
2. Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Products
When it comes to dental discoloration, smoking is among the worst culprits. The nicotine and tar leave unsightly brown stains that are difficult to remove even with whitening. Avoid smoking and other tobacco products completely, not just for the purpose of teeth whitening. You will be doing your smile and yourself a favor.
3. Brush and Floss Regularly
Good oral hygiene is always important, but it becomes even more important after teeth whitening treatments. Be diligent about brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. This will help remove plaque and prevent staining from setting in. Consider using teeth whitening toothpaste as well to boost your bright results.
4. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water has numerous benefits, including helping to rinse away food debris and prevent stain-causing dry mouth. Aim to drink water throughout the day, especially after eating or drinking items that could stain your teeth.
5. Use a Straw (At least for some time)
As mentioned, using a straw when drinking beverages like wine, iced coffee, or sports drinks can help minimize direct contact with your teeth and prevent staining. Get in the habit of using a straw whenever possible. However, if you do not find it comfortable, at least try using a straw for a week after your teeth whitening treatment.
6. Schedule Regular Cleanings
No matter how well you care for your teeth at home, you'll still benefit from regular professional cleanings. These deep cleanings remove hardened tartar and surface stains that your toothbrush can't eliminate. Getting your teeth cleaned every six months is advised by most dentists.
7. Consider Touch-Up Teeth Whitening
Eventually, you may need to refresh your teeth whitening treatment to maintain your desired level of brightness. Professional touch-up whitening sessions are a great way to revive your brilliant smile without having to completely restart the process.
8. Be Patient and Consistent
Maintaining your whitened smile requires patience and consistency. It takes constant effort to maintain good daily oral hygiene practices and to be aware of what you eat and drink. You can maintain the whitest possible teeth with commitment and patience.
You can get the most out of your teeth-whitening procedure and maintain that gorgeous smile for months or even years by paying attention to these pointers. Of course, every person's teeth are different, so your mileage may vary. But with proper maintenance and professional guidance from your dentist, you can enjoy a gorgeous, radiant grin that lights up any room.