Having clean teeth can be such a refreshing feeling. After having your teeth whitened, you may love the way the way they look so much, that you find yourself smiling even more. Yet, the reality is that if you want to walk pearly whites every day, you need to put in the effort to keep them that way. To do so, it’s important to invest in ongoing dental hygiene and follow a few extra tips to help you prolong your clean and sparkling smile.
Start with good oral health
The U.S. National Library of Medicine makes it clear that cosmetic dentistry can create significant improvements for your smile. However, teeth whitening cannot replace routine visits to your dentist’s office. To avoid causing damage to your teeth, it’s important to come in for a dental checkup at least once every six months. You should also invest in routine dental cleanings. While removing stains and discolorations from your teeth is our first step with teeth whitening, it is also important to consider ongoing care to keep the debris, plaque, and bacteria away.
Avoid foods likely to discolor your teeth
Many times, what you drink and eat directly impacts the coloring of your teeth. If you want to maintain your smile longer, it is important to avoid any foods that will stain them. This includes foods such as:
Now does this mean you can’t indulge in these foods and drinks ever? No, that’s not the case. Rather, if you do consume any of the above, make sure to brush your teeth immediately afterward. Avoid drinking products that are particularly worrisome, such as soda and coffee, to ensure your bright white smile remains.
Avoid smoking or using tobacco products
Next, skip the most common chemicals that cause stains to the teeth. Tobacco from cigarettes and chewing products is very damaging to your teeth. They can instantly cause discoloration to your teeth even right after having tooth whitening done. Avoid these products in all situations. Most of the time, they are not easily removed with brushing, either.
Improve your brushing habits
Work with your dentist to determine the best type of toothpaste for your needs. It is also helpful to start flossing every day. Food particles that get stuck in your teeth can cause damage and discoloration over time. Brush your teeth after every meal, or at least two times a day. This can work to keep your teeth whiter longer simply because it works to remove much of the potential bacteria and plaque buildup present.
Increase how much water you drink
Water is important for dental hygiene for many reasons. Most importantly, it helps to flush away the bacteria that can buildup in your mouth after meals and even in between meals. Water also works to hydrate your tissues and cells. It can help to keep your immune system working properly, which also reduces your bacteria buildup in your mouth.
Talk to your dentist about additional treatments
Depending on the type of dental whitening products used, you may benefit from coming back every few months for an update to your procedure. This type of appointment does not have to take long, but it can help to prolong the impact of a deep cleaning and whitening service. This is not always necessary, as it depends on the type of procedure you had originally.
Be sure to speak to your dentist about the use of over-the-counter teeth whitening products at this time. Some dental professionals will find that these types of products are not likely to provide significant improvement to your smile and may interact with the tooth whitening procedures you’ve already obtained. Check with your dentist about these products before using them.
Book your appointment for teeth whitening today
Dr. Darj Dental provides teeth whitening services that can help you to get the smile you desire. We encourage you to come in for an appointment today to learn more about your whitening options. You can call us or book online with our team today.
