Ways To Make Teeth Whitening Effects Last Longer

Many people resort to teeth whitening to get rid of teeth discoloration. However, few teeth whitening patients can maintain the condition of their teeth after the procedure. Here are ways to make the teeth whitening effects long-lasting. 

Don't Consume Staining Foods and Drinks

Tobacco and wine aren't the only things that can stain your teeth. Watch the foods and beverages you consume as well. These stain-causing elements are attracted to the protein layer of your tooth enamel. When this happens, your teeth become discolored. After the teeth whitening procedure, avoid coffee, tea, dark soda, dark fruits, and tomato sauces. 

Drink Through a Straw

If you don't want to give up wine or coffee, you have two options. You can either make sure you brush your teeth after indulging in these drinks or drink the drinks through a straw. When drinking through a straw, the liquid goes directly behind your teeth. This helps you avoid swishing liquids around your mouth. As a result, this limits the exposure to staining liquids in your mouth.

Eat Foods That Promote Oral Health

Crunchy vegetables and fruits are full of water, which helps stimulate saliva production. These include fruits like apples and celery. Saliva neutralizes acids that attack your tooth enamel, leaving it less vulnerable to stains.

Another great food for maintaining the teeth whitening effects is cheese. This is because chewing cheese increases saliva production. Furthermore, cheese is packed with phosphorus and calcium, making your tooth enamel more resistant to stains and decay.

Floss and Brush Your Teeth

Proper oral hygiene is your first defense against teeth discoloration. Plaques come with staining substances; therefore, brush at least twice a day to reduce plaque. The more a staining substance remains on your teeth, the more severe the staining will be. You can practice carrying a toothbrush and whitening toothpaste to freshen up after taking staining foods.

Take note that you shouldn't brush immediately after eating staining or acidic foods. Brushing too soon means you will spread the acidity all around the teeth. Therefore, wait for a few minutes before brushing your teeth after eating these staining meals. To eliminate food particles lodged between your teeth and along your gums, floss at least once a day.

In Closing

Teeth whitening is a lifetime commitment. Therefore, don't think that the effects will last without any effort on your part after the teeth whitening procedure. Your lifestyle habits, diet, and oral hygiene will affect the durability of your white pearls.

Contact a cosmetic dentist for more information.