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How to Make Teeth Whitening Last Longer


Teeth whitening
Well, you finally did it. You went to the dentist for some in-office whitening, and your teeth have never looked better! Suddenly, all you want to do is show off those pearly whites – and everyone around you is loving the new, grinning you. So… how can you make sure your smile STAYS bright? Unfortunately, all teeth whitening procedures will eventually fade over time (though in-office treatments do last longer than at-home varieties). While you can’t guarantee your teeth will always be this white, there are some things you can do to prevent new stains from dulling your shine.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is the number-one tool to keep your smile looking beautiful and bright. This means brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once a day. If these habits become part of your daily routine, stains won’t have a chance to settle on your smile! But of course, good hygiene isn’t just about your habits. It’s also about the tools you use! Make sure you’re replacing your toothbrush (or brush head) every three months, as this will ensure the best possible clean. Also, consider swapping out your manual toothbrush for an electric one; studies show that they remove 21% more plaque!

Drink Plenty of Water

Firstly, this is just good advice – everyone should drink lots of water! Staying hydrated is great for your health, your skin, and your overall mood, but it has extra benefits for your oral health. Water helps keep your mouth clean by washing away plaque, food particles, and other bacteria that could be settling along your gums. It also helps wash stains from your enamel, ensuring that your teeth stay nice and shiny even longer. So, drink up! Your mouth will thank you.

Avoid Stuff that Stains

Over time, the foods we eat and the beverages we drink will try to stain our teeth. That’s just the way it is! Stain-causing particles settle into the protein layer around our tooth enamel – and when that happens, we end up with dingy, discolored teeth. How can you avoid this fate? By avoiding the foods that cause the most trouble! These include:
  • Red wine
  • Coffee and Tea
  • Dark soda
  • Tomato sauces
  • Dark fruits (like blueberries, blackberries, and cherries)
If you want your teeth whitening to last longer, you might want to limit your intake of these tasty treats.

Use a Straw

Ok, that last tip might have seemed like a bit much. After all, who would want to give up wine, coffee, or blueberries!? Trust us, we get it – and there is a way to enjoy your favorite foods and drinks without staining your teeth. The solution is simple: use a straw! When you drink through a straw, you send the liquid straight to the back of your throat, instead of letting it swish around in your mouth. This limits your teeth’s exposure to the liquid, which can help prevent stains.

Visit Your Dentist

Finally, one of the best ways to ensure that your teeth whitening lasts is to visit your dentist in Chicago for your routine cleanings. Even if you’re practicing all our other tips, your dentist will be able to give your smile an extra-thorough polish. This will give you that gorgeous smile you’ve been searching for! Whether you want an in-office whitening treatment, a simple cleaning, or a more serious dental procedure, the team at Associates for Dental Care, including our expert cosmetic dentist in Chicago, is here to help you. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment and get your brightest, most beautiful smile ever!

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