Today, there are many options for brightening your smile, from scheduling in-office treatments to using one of the many at-home teeth whitening products.
Whatever option you choose, you will be spending time and money to improve your smile, and the last thing you want to see are signs of discolouration on your pearly whites. Here’re a few tips to help you maintain your newly achieved bright smile:
Avoid Stain-Causing Foods And Drinks
Many coloured foods and drinks can stain your white teeth. So, reduce or avoid your intake of tomatoes, berries, grape juice, red wine, coffee, tea, sports drinks, cola, and grape juice. A good rule of thumb for things to avoid is: anything that will stain a white T-shirt will also stain your pearly whites.
Rinse Your Mouth With Water After Eating And Drinking
Every time you indulge in items that can stain your mouth, it is important that you rinse your mouth with clean water right after. Swishing a little water after eating or drinking can help reduce staining.
Stop Smoking
Smoking is not only bad for your health, but also your teeth. The nicotine, tar, and tobacco in cigarettes, cigars, and pipes will stain your teeth. If you continue using tobacco products after your teeth whitening procedure, your teeth will soon look yellow and dull again.
Practice Proper Oral Hygiene
Daily brushing, at least every morning after breakfast and at night before bed, and daily flossing will help remove food debris and plaque, and keep your mouth clean and stain-free. You may even use whitening toothpaste to make your teeth whiter and shinier.
Use A Straw
Using a straw to sip coloured drinks helps to deposit them past your teeth, reducing the chances of contact with your pearly whites.
Whitening Trays
There are a number of at-home teeth whitening treatments that can help extend the brightness of your smile. Use products that your dentist recommends, such as whitening toothpastes and gels, or take-home whitening trays. Whitening trays are personalized appliances created using the impression of your mouth for a tight fit. You simply add a small amount of whitening gel to the trays and wear them for the recommended time to achieve whiter teeth.
Lastly, don’t skip your dental checks. Ideally, you should visit your dentist every six months for professional cleaning and a proper oral exam. Your dental hygienist or dentist can easily polish away surface stains when cleaning your teeth, helping to fight discolouration without using bleaching products again.