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 with this last?” If you have decided to get a whitening treatment, you will want to make it last as long as possible. The shade may not last forever, but there are ways that you can extend the whiteness of your teeth.
Continue Good Oral Hygiene
A great way to ensure bright white teeth is to have 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. Not only does brushing help the color of your teeth, but it also keeps them healthy. When you brush, you gently remove plaque from the surface of your teeth. Plaque is a sticky substance that builds on your teeth, causing 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 gets between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. This allows you to remove more plaque and reduce your chances of gum disease.
If you want to extend the whitening treatment, consider brushing your teeth with a whitening toothpaste. Whitening toothpaste works to remove surface stains, making it great for day-to-day coloration issues.
Dental Visits
Dentists recommend twice-yearly dental cleanings to keep your teeth healthy. When you receive a cleaning, your dental hygienist will remove the plaque from your teeth. Additionally, this reduces surface stains as well. 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 for longer, you may want to look at 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 as well. Teas, red wine, dark sodas, and energy drinks all leave behind stains. It is best to limit your intake of such 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, you may want to consider cutting the habit.