After investing in a teeth whitening treatment, you will want to keep your teeth as white as possible. Naturally, your new radiant smile will become a priority. Whether done professionally or at home, you can adopt the right habits to enjoy your white smile for longer. The key to your bright smile lies in your diet and oral hygiene habits.
How Does Whitening Work?
With most whitening treatments, chemicals will break down the stains that plague your teeth. These treatments may use chemicals like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide to lift the stains from the surface of your teeth. However, these treatments are most effective for extrinsic or surface-level stains. If you have deep, set-in stains, you may need a process that covers your teeth instead.
After a chemical whitening treatment, your enamel becomes more porous. This is because the chemicals sink into your teeth to lift the stains. When this happens, your teeth can become more susceptible to stains. Therefore, you should pay attention to your oral habits and diet to ensure a long white smile.
Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene
To keep your smile as white as possible, you need a solid oral hygiene routine. You need to brush your teeth at least twice a day. When you brush, you should use a soft-bristle toothbrush and apply gentle pressure. This is because you want to avoid damaging your enamel. Additionally, you need to floss daily. Flossing can remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth. Plaque buildup can contribute to stains.
You can also maintain a whiter smile with regular dental checkups. At your visits, your dental team will professionally clean your teeth. This will help remove surface stains and maintain your whitening result. This is because your dental hygienist will use a high-powered electric toothbrush and a gritty paste to clean your teeth. As a result, it will polish your teeth.
Also, your dentist can provide you with advice on how to keep your teeth whiter.
Watch Your Diet Wisely
Your favorite foods can be the culprit behind your diminished smile. Therefore, you should limit staining foods. For example, coffee, tea, and red wine are huge contributors to stained teeth. Avoiding these foods can leave your teeth brighter and whiter. If you do indulge in these foods, you can rinse your mouth with water. This will minimize their effects on your teeth.
Another tip with staining drinks is to use a straw. This reduces the direct contact that these drinks have with your teeth. This simple step can help prevent immediate staining. The less time these come into contact with your teeth, the better.
You may want to avoid consuming foods that can weaken your enamel. For example, foods and drinks with acid can make your teeth more prone to staining. This can also increase your chances of tooth decay, which also causes tooth stains. If you consume acidic items in moderation, you can protect your enamel and white teeth.