A bright, white smile is often considered one of the most attractive features a person can possess. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 96% of adults believe that a beautiful smile makes a person more appealing to the opposite sex. However, achieving that stunning smile doesn’t end with the whitening treatment itself.
Maintaining that pearly white glow requires diligence and careful choices in your daily routine. This blog post delves into the recommendations by top dentists on how to keep teeth white.
How to Keep Teeth White After Whitening: 6 Techniques Suggested by Dentists
To ensure you maintain that bright, white smile and avoid an uneven tooth color after bleaching, here are six dentist-recommended tips that you should incorporate into your oral care routine.
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Avoid Staining Food and Beverages
Because they are pigmented, coffee, tea, red wine, and some berries can stain. Avoiding such foods and drinks that can cause uneven tooth color after bleaching is one of the most effective habits to form.
Try substituting these with lighter, less staining options like milk, water, or white wines to keep your smile looking great. If you can't avoid enjoying these things, think about cleaning your mouth out with water right away to reduce the possibility of getting stained.
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Give-up Smoking
This advice benefits not just your smile but also your general well-being. Smoking is well known for producing tooth discolorations that are difficult to remove and for promoting a variety of gum disorders. Gum disease is two to three times more common in smokers than in non-smokers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In addition, cigarettes' tar and nicotine can cause teeth to turn yellow, undoing the results of any whitening procedures you may have undergone. Giving up can greatly improve your general well-being and help you keep a grin on your face.
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Consume a Lot of Water
Staying hydrated is crucial for both your general health and the appearance of your teeth. In addition to aiding in the removal of food particles, drinking lots of water also lessens the acidity of sugary and acidic beverages, which can damage enamel and encourage staining.
Drinking water after meals is crucial to help balance any acidity and preserve your enamel. Water also keeps your mouth moist, which encourages the production of saliva, nature's defense against discoloration and dental disease.
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Use Whitening Strips
If you find yourself in need of a touch-up, whitening strips can be an effective and convenient option. These thin, flexible strips are coated with a whitening gel that can help maintain the even glow of your teeth after an initial bleaching procedure.
Many over-the-counter whitening strips contain the same hydrogen peroxide that dental professionals use during treatments, providing results in as little as a few days. While these should be used judiciously and not as a substitute for good dental hygiene, they can serve as a beneficial adjunct to your teeth whitening treatment.
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Drink Straining Beverages With a Straw
If you are one of those who cannot resist drinking staining beverages, using a straw is a simple yet effective tactic to minimize exposure to your teeth. Using a straw can significantly reduce the amount of liquid that touches your teeth. This practice can mitigate enamel erosion and staining, giving your whitening treatment a longer-lasting effect.
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Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Frequent dental exams are crucial for preserving both the whiteness of your teeth and your general oral health, not simply for cleaning. Your dentist can address any areas of concern, perform professional cleanings, and guide you on how to maintain white teeth.
Generally, People who frequently visit their dentist are more likely to report having whiter teeth than people who don't. The secret to keeping that radiant smile is to combine expert treatment with your daily routine at home.
Keeping your teeth white after whitening is a dedicated effort that requires an understanding of the factors contributing to stain development. Implementing these tips—from avoiding staining foods and drinks to maintaining regular dental visits—can significantly extend the results of your teeth whitening treatments.
Remember, a dazzling smile is just a few smart choices away, and there’s always more to learn on this journey to oral health excellence. Start today by applying these tips and witness the transformative effect they have on your teeth!