Bright white teeth can positively affect self-esteem and social interactions. After all, most people acknowledge that someone’s mouth and teeth are the first things they notice. If you have recently had your smile professionally whitened, you are no doubt hoping to maintain your new look for as long as possible. Let’s examine some of the most effective methods for keeping your freshly whitened teeth sparkling and bright for a long time.
The “Don’t” List
Here are some of the things you need to avoid. These are the main culprits when it comes to staining teeth.
Quit Smoking – Smoking is the absolute worst thing you can do for the coloration of your teeth. Nothing else will stain teeth faster than cigarette smoke. Quitting is not easy, but this is just one more reason to do it.
Foods to Avoid – Try to keep foods with dark pigmentation to a minimum. For example, ice pops or hard candies that are filled with dark dyes will stain your teeth. You know the ones we mean. They turn your tongue, teeth, and lips blue, green, or purple.
Beverages to Avoid – Unfortunately, favorites like coffee, black tea, colas, and red wine are all tough on tooth coloration. Keep reading for some tips on how to enjoy your favorite beverages safely.
The “Do” List
Here are some things that you can do to keep your teeth white for as long as possible.
Use a Straw – Try having your coffee or tea iced. Drinking it through a straw will minimize contact with front teeth. Less time on the enamel means less time for staining to take place.
Brush Often – If you brush your teeth after each meal, you keep those stain-causing foods and drinks from staying in contact with your teeth.
Rinse or Drink Water – If you can’t brush, rinsing with or drinking water is the next best thing. Just get as much food and drink off your teeth as possible until the next time you can get to a toothbrush.
Get a Touch Up – If you follow the suggestions here, touch ups may be a year or two apart. If you can’t stay away from your regular cup of coffee (without a straw) or other staining habits, you may need to get a touch up every six months. Your dentist can recommend a schedule to help maintain the pearly whiteness of your smile.
If you follow the tips here, you can flash a glistening, white smile every time a camera comes out.