Congratulations! You’ve had your teeth whitened by the team at Union Square Dental and attained the Hollywood smile you’ve always wanted. Now it’s time to keep those teeth white and bright.
Here’s what our dentists suggest you should and shouldn’t do to extend the results of your professional teeth whitening.
Avoid staining foods
One of the best ways to keep your teeth bright and white is to avoid the food and beverages that stain tooth enamel. Some staining foods and drinks include:
- Coffee and tea
- Red wine
- Tomato and soy sauces
- Artificially-colored candy, sports drinks, and sodas
Add beets and bright berries, such as blueberries and blackberries, to the list. Yes, these foods are packed with nutrition, so we can’t advise you stay away from them. Just be sure to follow the next tip after you’ve eaten a bowlful of berries or beets.
Rinse after eating or drinking
After you eat or drink anything that can stain those beautiful teeth, quickly rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash. If you quickly rinse food or drink off your teeth, you’ll prevent stains from setting in.
Drink with a straw
Drinking colored and staining liquids through a straw will help bypass your teeth and prevent them from discoloring. If some liquid escapes the straw, rinse quickly with plain water.
Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco
We don’t have to tell you all the health reasons you shouldn’t smoke or chew tobacco, but add extending the results of your teeth whitening to the list. Cigarette tar and nicotine will quickly undo tooth whitening and lead to yellowing of your teeth.
Don’t forget to brush
Tooth decay and gum disease are the top reasons you should brush and floss your teeth. Protecting tooth whiteness is another reason to brush often. Brush every morning and evening, and floss daily, usually before bed. Proper dental hygiene will keep your mouth healthy and your teeth brilliant.
Schedule professional cleanings
We advise you to schedule twice-a-year cleanings so we can scrape plaque off your teeth and clean and polish them. This professional maintenance removes stains and extends the time your teeth remain white.
If you follow these tips diligently, you can extend the life of your professional teeth whitening. When the bright whiteness begins to change (and it will eventually fade), schedule another teeth whitening session with us at Union Square Dental.
To learn more about how to make and keep your teeth white, call our office in New York City today.