Professional teeth whitening can brighten your smile if you have stained, yellowed, or discolored teeth. Once your teeth are white, and you have reached your smile aesthetic goals, you will want to keep it this way as long as possible. Your dentist can provide advice about maintaining your pearly white smile. Here, Dr. Greg Reece, a dentist in Charlotte, NC, outlines three ways to avoid teeth discoloration after a professional whitening procedure.
Avoid staining agents
Though teeth can become discolored with age or due to medication, there are substances that are known to stain your teeth. Dark-colored food and beverages, including red wine, coffee, and tea, contain staining agents that can cause your teeth to lose their ideal white color, even after professional whitening. To avoid discoloration, these items should be enjoyed in moderation or excluded from your diet. Tobacco is another staining agent that should be avoided. Ceasing tobacco usage can have additional health benefits besides preserving your white smile. Learn more about teeth whitening here.
Keep proper oral hygiene
Proper oral hygiene habits remove plaque from your teeth, reducing the risk of damage to the enamel. This care can preserve the white color of your teeth too. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily. Flossing should be done at night ideally so that the plaque that develops throughout the day can be removed. Mouthwash can help get rid of hard-to-reach bacteria in your mouth. Good oral hygiene can keep your gums healthy, too, avoiding disease, which can cause your gums to recede and expose teeth to further damage, including discoloration.
Visit your dentist regularly
Proper oral hygiene includes regular dental cleanings and check-ups. During a routine dental cleaning, your dentist will remove plaque and tartar that develops on teeth, especially in spots missed by traditional tooth brushing. This cleaning can ensure your teeth remain clean and can avoid staining. Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums for signs of decay or misalignment that may also affect your oral health. You can discuss professional teeth whitening touch-up appointments with your dentist during your regular visit. Dentists recommend scheduling cleaning appointments every six months.