The last thing you will want to deal with after paying to have your teeth whitened is discoloration. The following presents a few tips concerning how to keep your teeth white after a professional whitening.
A Committed Oral Hygiene Schedule Is A Must
A routine schedule includes brushing and flossing twice per day in addition to receiving a professional cleaning on a bi-annual basis. Maintaining this routine will is a great preventative step against basic stains, minor discoloration, and other easily preventable issues. Additionally, take care to brush within half an hour of each meal or after consuming foods high in acid and/or starch, and ensure that you thoroughly rinse with water. And speaking of problematic foods…
Don’t Let Dry Mouth Ruin Your Smile
Dry mouth affects your body’s saliva production. Saliva is the body’s natural defense against acids that erode enamel. One potential side-effect of a whitening treatment is that your saliva can sometimes become sparse, making your mouth dry. This results in a condition commonly known as dry mouth. Dry mouth makes it easier for stains to accumulate, which results in both tooth discoloration and enamel deterioration.
Banish Coffee, Tobacco, And Acidic Foods From Your Diet
Acidic drinks, foods like tomatoes and oranges, and things you wouldn’t normally suspect, like vitamin C tablets, are enemies of tooth enamel. Minimizing their presence in your diet or removing them entirely will help keep your enamel strong. If you use tobacco or drink coffee and are unable to cut either one entirely out of your life, then the next best thing is to limit their intake, as excessive use will surely stain your newly-whitened teeth and wear on your enamel.
Maintain A Regular Checkup Schedule With Your Dentist
This one seems obvious, but many people still do not adhere to a routine dental visit. These are crucial to maintaining a bright smile as the dentist can provide a wide variety of preventative treatments as well as make recommend products you can purchase to use at home. Additionally, you will want to make sure that you arte maintaining a normal oral hygiene schedule: brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash twice per day, as well as brushing after any contact with any highly acidic or starchy foods.
If you still feel you need to further whiten your teeth, your dentist could make you a custom-fitted tray so you can whiten your teeth at home. Make sure to have a conversation with your dentist before attempting anything by yourself.
