You finally did it. After pondering the smile of your dreams, you contacted your dentist to schedule an appointment. In one quick session, your dentist lifts the shade of your teeth to reveal sparkling white teeth. After taking stunning pictures or looking in the mirror, you love how your smile looks. In fact, you may always want them to look this way. But you may ask, “How long will this last?” If you have decided to get a teeth whitening treatment in Charleston, you will want it to last as long as possible. The shade may not last forever, but you can extend the whiteness of your teeth.
Continue Good Oral Hygiene
A great way to keep your teeth bright white is to maintain a good oral health routine. Every time you brush your teeth, you polish the surface of your enamel. Polishing can revive dull teeth and keep them looking their best. Brushing not only improves your teeth’s color, but also keeps them healthy. When you brush, you gently remove plaque from your teeth. Plaque is a sticky substance that builds on your teeth and can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing at least twice a day can eliminate plaque and help brighten your teeth.
Additionally, you should floss daily. Flossing reaches between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t. This helps you remove more plaque and reduces your risk of gum disease.
To extend the whitening treatment, consider brushing with a whitening toothpaste. Whitening toothpaste removes surface stains, making it great for day-to-day discoloration.
Dental Visits
Dentists recommend dental cleanings twice a year to keep your teeth healthy. During a cleaning, your dental hygienist removes plaque from your teeth. This also reduces surface stains. So, you may notice your teeth looking slightly whiter after a dental cleaning. This helps extend the life of your whitening and keeps your teeth and gums healthy.
Avoid Staining Beverages
If you want to keep your teeth whiter longer, consider the beverages you consume. Some of our favorite drinks can leave behind the worst stains. For example, many people love to start their day with a cup (or two) of coffee. However, coffee can stain your teeth. The acid and tannins in coffee make your teeth more porous, allowing the dark color to move into your teeth.
Many other drinks stain your teeth, too. Teas, red wine, dark sodas, and energy drinks all leave behind stains. Limit your intake of these beverages to keep your teeth white and sparkling. If cutting these drinks from your diet is impossible, consider using a straw to keep the liquid from touching your teeth.
Quit Smoking
One habit that can significantly stain your teeth is smoking. Not only is smoking bad for your health, but it is bad for your smile as well. So if you want to keep your teeth white, consider cutting the habit.