If you have discolored, yellowed teeth due to years of wear and tear and want an uplift to your smile, teeth whitening is for you. This process usually takes only one to a few visits to the dentist, depending on the shade of white desired. But once you’ve brightened your smile, how do you keep it from staining or yellowing? Here are a few tips for a lasting, whiter smile.
Brush and Floss Daily
One of the main culprits of discolored teeth is the lack of a routine oral care regimen. Brushing and flossing removes sticky plaque that can cause teeth to look less than white and can lead to serious issues of decay if not properly removed. Simply brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily can keep the smile clean and bright.
Avoid Tobacco
The main consequence of tobacco use is discolored teeth and bad breath. Although it can be difficult to stop such an addictive habit, there are ways to avoid use. Slowly move toward nicotine patches or gum. Tobacco use is one of the reasons patients develop oral cancers. Consider speaking to your dentist about ways to curb the habit for the better of your health.
Over-the-counter Whitening Products
Depending on the type of whitening treatment received at your dentist, you may not be sent home with an upkeep kit such as toothpaste or even a take-home bleaching agent and mouth tray. There are products that offer whitening agents to remove surface stains and can even brighten the smile with use. Some brands offer full lines of toothbrushes, toothpaste, and mouthwashes dedicated to bleaching the smile. Consider switching your products at home to these to keep whitening costs down while still retaining a brighter smile.
Avoid Stain Prone Foods and Drinks
Foods and drinks can become staining just by eating them. These can include curries, anything with a lot of food coloring, and even certain fruits. Some drinks to avoid are sodas, wine, and any type of drink with food colorings or dye. If you need to have any of these items, consider using a paper or metal straw to avoid the drink getting directly onto your teeth. Bring a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash to remove any debris and keep your smile clean throughout the day.
Whitening the smile is easy as an hour visit to your dentist. For more information about how to keep a bleached smile bright, contact our office today.