The safest way to brighten your smile is to go see your dentist: whether you are interested in chemical or light-based treatments, your dentist has access to safer, stronger methods and can give you good after-treatment care to keep your gums healthy. But no matter what treatment you use, day-to-day life can eventually wear it down. Here’s how to keep your teeth brightly white long after the fact.
- Reduce the risk of long-term staining. Popular drinks like soda, tea, and coffee stain teeth yellow and brown. While it’s not the sign of tooth decay or poor dental hygiene that you might worry it is, many people still don’t want the stains to become permanent. Brush your teeth or rinse them with a drink of water after consuming a dyed or dark beverage. If your teeth are particularly susceptible to staining, trying drinking with a straw instead of sipping it.
- Ask your dentist to recommend a tooth-whitening toothpaste. If you get your teeth whitened annually or every six months, whitening toothpaste can help maintain your smile in between treatments. Instead of choosing a brand that’s off the shelf, ask if there’s a certain type that works best with your treatment or one that both whitens and strengthens.
- Reduce your tobacco consumption. There are numerous health reasons to stop smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco. But it can also dim a whitening treatment more quickly than almost any other substance.
If you want to keep your teeth white, both long-term and in-between treatments, book an appointment!
