Whether you've had your teeth whitened in the dentist's chair or through the use of an at-home treatment, you want to make sure you maintain that bright smile for as long as possible. After all, you didn't pay all that money to quickly have discoloured teeth again. The key to achieving this is to develop some new habits that can be carried forward into the future, meaning you'll always have a smile that will be the envy of others.
Stick to a straw
Drinking through a straw may seem laborious at first, but it will quickly become a habit. When drinking anything that is likely to stain your teeth, including red wine, coffee, and tea, use a straw so that the liquid does not touch your teeth as much as if you were drinking directly from a cup or glass.
Brush, brush, then brush again
Brushing your teeth is so important if you want to maintain that bright smile. Make a habit of brushing your teeth at least three times a day; once in the morning, after dinner, and before you go to bed. Make sure to floss regularly as well, as this will help prevent plaque and tartar forming on the teeth.
Stop smoking
If you're a smoker, stop now if you have any hope of keeping those pearly whites. Smoking is a major cause of discoloration and there is no way around it.
Be careful with teeth-staining foods
While coffee and red wine are obvious teeth-staining culprits, there are plenty of foods that you probably consume daily that can also stain the teeth. These include ketchup, cola, and pasta sauce, and, while there is no reason to stop eating them altogether, make sure that if you do, you immediately brush your teeth. During the first two weeks after whitening, it's best to avoid these foods altogether.
Get chewing
Make like a rabbit and nibble on veggies and fruits such as celery, carrots, apples, and pears, as these foods will scrub your teeth and help remove any surface stains that may have built up. This is no substitute for proper cleaning, but it certainly does no harm.
Visit your dentist
Make sure you visit your dentist for regular checkups so that any surface stains can be removed. Even with your best efforts, this is bound to happen, so try and make a point of seeing your dentist once every six months.
For more tips, speak with experienced dentists in your area.
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