Whitening your teeth is an excellent way to start the new year. Whether you go to your dentist or try an at-home treatment, teeth whitening can improve your self-esteem and leave a lasting impression on others. If you’ve taken steps to whiten your teeth, it’s likely that you want the results to last as long as possible. If so, here’s some helpful tips to keep your teeth whiter for longer.
1. Good Oral Hygiene
An easy way to keep your teeth whiter is to practice a good oral health routine. Most dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day, so shoot for more than that. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush gently.
You should floss at least once a day as well. First, use manual floss, not floss picks. Manual floss is best because it covers the area better. Next, try water flossers and water pick flossers. Water flossers blast your teeth with pressurized water to remove hard particles.
Performing this small amount of necessary maintenance can help lower the amount of plaque that sticks to your teeth. Plaque is harmful bacteria that grows in your mouth and destroys your enamel and gums.
Unfortunately, plaque is the enemy of a white smile. When plaque builds, it can cause your teeth to turn yellow. An increase in plaque means a diminished smile, so you need to keep a good oral care routine to maintain your white smile.
2. Use Whitening Toothpaste
Another way that you can lengthen the whiteness of your teeth is to use whitening toothpaste. If you get a professional whitening treatment, you get your results in one session compared to using at-home methods. In this case, you can use whitening toothpaste to keep your teeth as white as possible for a longer period.
If your teeth are more sensitive than usual, you can alternate using the whitening toothpaste with toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Whitening toothpaste won’t drastically change the shade of your teeth, which is why it’s a good supplement to your professional treatment.
3. Watch Your Diet
The foods and drinks that you consume can discolor your teeth. For example, your morning coffee can slowly yellow your teeth. Additionally, foods that contain a tomato base or soy sauce can stain your teeth as well. Generally speaking, if it can stain your clothes it can stain your teeth.
You should always rinse your mouth with water after eating. This helps remove some of the harmful staining power of these foods. Also, use a straw to keep colorful drinks from touching your teeth.
You should also watch how much sugar or acid you consume in your diet. Any foods or drinks with high acidity can damage your enamel. Unfortunately, this can discolor your teeth as well as increase your risk of developing cavities. With sugar, the bacteria in your mouth consume the sugar and creates an acid that destroys your enamel. The more bacteria in your mouth, the more discolored your teeth can become.
4. Touch Up Treatments
Even with great care, whitening results fade over time. Ask your dentist about professional touch-up treatments to maintain your bright smile. These are usually quicker and more affordable than your initial whitening. For at-home users, keeping some whitening strips or trays on hand for occasional use (every few months) can help combat gradual staining.
5. Quit Smoking & Tobacco
Tobacco is one of the fastest ways to yellow your teeth. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes seep into tooth enamel, causing stubborn stains that regular brushing can’t remove. If you’ve invested in whitening, quitting tobacco will help preserve your results while also benefiting your overall health. Even vaping can contribute to discoloration over time.
6. Drink More Water
Water is a natural tooth cleanser! Sipping water throughout the day helps wash away stain-causing particles before they set in. It also prevents dry mouth, which allows stains to stick more easily.
Try making it a habit to rinse with water after every meal or colored drink. Some cities have fluoridated water which provides extra enamel protection too.
7. Regular Dental Cleanings
No matter how well you brush, professional cleanings remove built-up stains that home care can’t tackle. Dentists use special tools to polish away surface stains and remove tartar that traps discoloration. Aim for cleanings every 6 months. Right after a cleaning is actually the perfect time to do whitening treatments since your teeth will be stain-free to start with.
Bonus tip: Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which naturally cleans teeth and neutralizes acids. Look for gum with xylitol, a natural sweetener that actually helps prevent cavities. It’s a great option when you can’t brush after meals. Just avoid gum with sugar, which would have the opposite effect.
Are you ready to whiten your teeth in Plano, TX? Contact Dr. Sara Chen at Aesthetic Dentistry Centre of Plano today.