You’ve invested the time and money in a professional in-office teeth whitening treatment to brighten your smile. Don’t you want to maintain that dazzling, bright smile for as long as you can? Teeth whitening treatments are very effective, but they don’t last forever. Over time, your teeth will become stained again. By following these tips, you can prolong your whitening results as long as possible.
Minimize Staining Foods and Beverages
It’s important to remember that the foods and beverages you consume can impact the appearance of your teeth. In order to keep your teeth bright and white for as long as possible, minimize your consumption of the following staining foods and drinks:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Colas
- Sports drinks
- Berries and jams
- Tomato sauce, soy sauce and other dark condiments
- Lollipops and other bright colored candies that leave your teeth stained
If you absolutely can’t live without your daily coffee or a cold soda with meals, then use a straw when drinking these beverages. That will prevent the liquid from coming into contact with your teeth and tarnishing your smile.
Quit Smoking
There are many health-related reasons why you should quit smoking. If those reasons don’t provide you with ample motivation, then maybe your smile will. Smoking is a major cause of tooth discoloration, and smoking after your teeth whitening treatment is one of the fastest ways to reverse the benefits of your procedure.
Brush Your Teeth
Your oral hygiene regimen should include brushing your teeth at least twice per day for a minimum of 2 minutes.
Additionally, you should consider using a whitening toothpaste to help maintain your bright smile.
Floss Daily
Floss at least once per day. Ideally, floss after every meal. In addition to helping keep your teeth white, flossing can improve your breath and promote gum health.
Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash
Use an antibacterial mouthwash at least once per day, and ideally after every meal. Mouthwash will kill teeth-staining bacteria and help keep your breath fresh.
Stay Hydrated
Saliva is a natural whitener, so it’s important to stay hydrated at all times. Make sure you drink plenty of water. In addition, consuming crunchy vegetables on a regular basis will help stimulate saliva production. Consume the following vegetables to help maintain your bright smile:
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Cucumber
- Celery
Augment Your Results with At-Home Teeth Whitening Treatments
Dr. Phelps offers a variety of professional grade at-home teeth whitening treatments in addition to his in-office whitening services. When used periodically, these at-home treatments can provide you with a touch-up that will help prolong your results and delay the need for another in-office treatment.
Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Consultation Today
If you’d like to learn more about our teeth whitening services, please contact Dr. John Phelps using the form on this page or call 317-548-6217 today. We serve patients in Carmel, Noblesville, and surrounding areas of Indianapolis, Indiana.
