Professional teeth whitening treatments can produce stunning results, which is why it is one of the most common cosmetic dentistry treatments. After the treatment, however, stains gradually build back up on the teeth. To make the most of your teeth whitening treatment, follow these tips to keep your teeth looking whiter and brighter for longer.
1. Don't Smoke
Smoking is undoubtedly one of the biggest causes of stained teeth. Quitting is tough, but there are products you can use to help you wean yourself off of cigarettes. Vaping, nicotine patches, and nicotine gum are all much less likely than tobacco to stain your teeth.
2. Avoid Foods That Stain Teeth
Certain foods are much more likely than others to stain your teeth. In general, foods with very bold or dark colours, such as black licorice, blueberries, and blackberries, are the worst offenders. You do not have to give up these delicious treats completely but limit your consumption as much as possible. You can decrease their staining power by rinsing your mouth with water after you eat them.
3. Make Simple Switches
Red wine can leave terrible stains on teeth, but white wine has a much milder staining effect. Coffee is another major cause of dental staining, but green tea provides a caffeine hit that is much less likely to affect the whiteness of your smile. Drinking your tea or coffee with milk instead of black also reduces its staining power. By making these simple switches every day, you can help to protect your smile's new brightness.
4. Use a Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste is not only for people who already have badly stained teeth. It is also useful for those who want to prevent stains from building up in the first place. After your professional teeth whitening treatment, switch from regular to whitening toothpaste to stop stains returning. Many whitening toothpastes also offer other benefits, such as relief from sensitivity or tartar control, so look for one that meets all your dental needs.
5. Floss Every Day
Brushing alone cannot remove all the plaque from your teeth. If you allow plaque to build up in the tiny spaces between your teeth, it will gradually harden into yellow tartar, which is very difficult to remove. Flossing helps to get your teeth fully clean each day, reducing tartar build-up. By adding this simple step to your daily oral hygiene routine, you might be able to extend the effects of your professional teeth whitening treatment.
For many years, I hated the way my teeth looked. They always looked discoloured so I would do everything I could to hide my smile. On family photos, my mom would always complain that I never gave a grin like my brothers and sisters. When I graduated college, I decided I needed to take action. I contacted my local dental surgery and asked them about tooth whitening treatments. The dentist was great and gave me all of the info I needed. After the treatment, my smile was like a million dollars. I decided to start this blog to educate others about the benefits of teeth whitening and other dental treatments.