21 Dec How to Keep Your Teeth White Next Year
Are whiter teeth on your list of new year’s resolutions? If you’ve recently whitened your teeth or plan to whiten them soon, there are several steps you can take to promote long-lasting results. At Hicks Dental Group, we want to help you maintain a clean, healthy smile for years to come. Continue reading to learn how to keep your teeth white after completing a whitening treatment.
What Is a Tooth Whitening Treatment?
Tooth whitening is a quick and simple process. Whether you whiten your teeth at home or receive professional treatment, the teeth whitening process involves using a type of bleach to break down the stains on your teeth.
If you would like to whiten your teeth, make sure to discuss it with your dentist first—even if you plan to use a home kit. Although tooth whitening works well on yellow teeth, it isn’t as effective on brown or gray discoloration. Discussing your plan with a professional can give you a better idea of your options.
How to Keep Your Teeth White after a Whitening Treatment
1. Brush and Floss Regularly
The best way to keep your teeth clean, white, and healthy is to follow a good oral hygiene routine. Brushing your teeth twice a day removes plaque, which is full of harmful bacteria that cause cavities. However, your toothbrush is subject to wear and tear, making it less effective over time. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or as soon you notice any broken or splayed bristles.
Your oral hygiene routine should also include flossing every day. Flossing between your teeth allows you to remove food particles and plaque that your toothbrush simply can’t reach. Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and starches to produce acid that attacks your tooth enamel. You should also gently brush your tongue and rinse with mouthwash every day to eliminate food particles and keep your mouth clean.
2. Avoid Teeth-Staining Foods and Drinks
Many foods and drinks can stain your teeth over time if you enjoy them frequently. Keep your teeth white by avoiding or reducing your intake of coffee, tea, red wine, beets, blueberries, and blackberries. Drinking water while consuming tooth-staining foods and drinks is a good way to help reduce their staining effects. Plus, drinking water also efficiently removes food particles from your mouth.
3. Drink through a Straw
Another beneficial way to minimize the effects of tooth-staining drinks like coffee and tea is by using a straw. Although using a straw reduces your risk of discoloration, it still exposes your teeth to the beverage. Using a straw with hot coffee or tea can burn your mouth, so only try this with iced or room temperature drinks. Overall, it’s still best to reduce your intake or avoid staining beverages altogether.
4. Rinse with Water after Eating
Even if you don’t often consume tooth-staining foods or drinks, it’s a good idea to get in the habit of rinsing your mouth with water after eating. Rinsing with water removes food particles from your mouth and protects your teeth from discoloration-causing decay.
5. Drink More Water
Drinking water more frequently is another way to keep your teeth free of food particles, and it also keeps you hydrated. Your body requires hydration to keep healthy and to produce saliva. If your mouth can’t produce enough saliva, it creates the perfect dry environment for bacteria to feed freely and wreak havoc on your teeth.
6. Quit Smoking
Cigarettes and other tobacco products leave yellow stains on your teeth and even darken your gums. Quitting smoking will make your tooth whitening treatment much more effective, and keep your teeth white longer. Plus, if you quit smoking or using tobacco, you will also improve your overall health and reduce your risk of oral cancer and gum disease.
7. Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year
No matter what other steps you take to keep your teeth white this year, don’t forget to schedule regular exams and cleanings with your dentist. Professional cleanings are necessary to care for the parts of your teeth that you can’t reach at home, and will help you to maintain clean, white teeth for longer. Regular dental exams are also essential for catching early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health concerns.
Teeth Whitening in Prescott, Arizona
If you’re interested in a teeth whitening treatment or require a touch-up, contact Hicks Dental Group in Prescott, Arizona. We provide custom-made trays for professional-grade at-home teeth whitening that offer long-lasting results. If you have any questions about how to keep your teeth white or about getting started with professional teeth whitening treatments, call 928-445-6030 today to schedule an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (12/21/2021). Photo by Edward Cisneros on Unsplash