Over time, you might notice that your teeth begin to appear yellow, stained, or dull in color. Dental discoloration can occur for many reasons, from poor oral habits to factors outside your control like aging.
Your dentist can help you enhance your tooth color with teeth whitening treatment. This targeted cosmetic dental procedure allows you to get the bright smile of your dreams using either in-office or at-home solutions.
Once you see the aesthetic benefits of this treatment, you will want to ensure the effects last for as long as possible. This will require proper care and maintenance on behalf of the patient. Read on to find three tips for keeping your smile looking its best following teeth whitening treatment from your dentist.
How to Get the Most Out of Teeth Whitening Treatment
Avoid Consuming Foods and Drinks That Stain
You might stain your teeth by eating or drinking items that contain staining agents. Dark-colored foods and beverages, for instance, contain tannins. Tannins will absorb into the enamel, the outer layer of your teeth, over time. This will leave dark discoloration behind on the tooth surface.
Whitening treatment from your dentist targets these stains, bleaching the teeth and lifting discoloration to make your smile appear brighter according to your aesthetic goals. But if you expose your teeth to tannins again, you can form new stains.
So you should steer clear of foods and drinks with these staining agents if you want to protect your newly enhanced tooth color. You can reduce your risk of forming stains if you drink dark-colored beverages, like coffee, tea, or red wine, through a straw. But this will not eliminate the chances entirely, so pay attention to your smile.
Continue Proper Oral Hygiene
A clean and healthy foundation in your teeth allows them to better resist discoloration and other dental problems. The best way to keep your smile feeling and looking its best then is to practice good oral hygiene habits.
This routine will clear away plaque that can otherwise eat away at your teeth. If it lingers, it can make them vulnerable to cosmetic and structural dental damage, even after a whitening treatment.
So stick to a good oral hygiene regimen, which will include brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily. Ask your dentist about other oral hygiene tools like mouthwash or alternative flossers.
Visit Your Dentist for Preventative Dental Care
You can maximize oral hygiene and more preventative dental care when you visit your dentist office on a regular basis. During a routine dentist appointment, the dentist cleans plaque and tartar from spots of the mouth you cannot reach with your usual oral hygiene regimen.
The dentist will also examine your smile for cavities, gum disease, and other issues that could impact your oral health. Then they can treat these problems before they cause lasting damage. With proper maintenance like this, you can experience the benefits of teeth whitening treatment for longer.