How to Make Professional Teeth Whitening Results Last

Teeth staining is a reality, even if you brush your teeth faithfully two times a day. Aging, food, drinks, medications, smoking, and other lifestyle habits cause the teeth to change appearance over time. To improve your smile, teeth whitening can give you the best results. Professional teeth whitening is safe and more effective than OTC home remedies. 

Avoid Teeth-Staining Foods 

Foods and drinks that stain the teeth can quickly erode the results of your whitening process. Avoiding or limiting your intake of staining foods can prolong your whitening results. Tea, coffee, and red wine can cause staining. 

If you cannot avoid the drinks, using a straw can limit contact with the teeth. Blueberries, soy sauce, tomato-based sauces, and candy are some foods that can stain your teeth. Brushing your teeth immediately after consumption can help. 

Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits

Maintaining healthy oral hygiene habits will ensure you enjoy a white and bright smile for longer. For optimal results, brush your teeth after every meal or after consuming tea, coffee, and other beverages. 

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and whitening toothpaste. If you cannot brush after every snack or meal, use mouthwash to wash away food and debris. Make sure you brush twice daily and remember to floss every day to remove stain-causing bacteria.

Quit Smoking or Chewing Tobacco

Smoking and chewing tobacco are harmful not just to your physical health but also to your oral health. The effect of smoking and using tobacco products can cause permanent teeth staining. It is one of the most harmful habits for dental health and appearance. Years of smoking can leave the teeth yellow or brown. Professional whitening will have a limited effect if you smoke, as you can reverse the results within days.  

Drink Plenty of Water Daily

Drinking water throughout the day will keep you hydrated while washing away bacteria and food particles. Drinking water will help prevent the buildup of stains on the teeth. Drink a glass of water immediately after drinking coffee or red wine. It will reduce the effect of the staining ingredients on the teeth. It will help ensure that your whitening results last. 

Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings

You can keep your teeth clean and healthy by scheduling regular dental cleanings. Professional teeth cleaning will keep your teeth looking whiter longer. Dental practitioners have the skills and equipment to remove all tartar and plaque that build up over time. The dentist will also look for signs of tooth or gum disease that can affect the appearance of the teeth. 

Eating a healthy diet can help protect your teeth and keep them whiter longer. Particular fruits and vegetables, such as apples and celery, can increase the production of saliva, which neutralizes acids. 

The effects of professional teeth whitening can last about one year. This may vary depending on the whitening technique used, the condition of the teeth, and other factors. You can get a touch-up if the results wear away too soon. 

For more on how to make professional teeth whitening results last, visit The Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry at our Destin, Panama City Beach, or Navarre, Florida offices. Call 850-810-0300, 850-810-0600, or 850-409-6400 to schedule an appointment today.