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)