Everyday habits can make it difficult to keep a smile white, but with the right teeth whitening treatments, it is possible. After spending time, money, and energy to achieve that white smile, the last thing you want is for your teeth whitening efforts to go to waste. To get the most from teeth whitening, follow these five aftercare tips to keep your pearly whites shining:
1. Use a whitening toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste removes surface stains caused by beverages and foods such as coffee and red wine. Purchase a whitening toothpaste that contains blue covarine. This ingredient will adhere to the surface of your teeth to make them appear whiter. It will also maintain your teeth whitening by continuously fighting off any foods or beverages that discolor teeth.
Note that with any dental care product you use including a whitening toothpaste, it is important to look for the seal of approval from a reputable dental organization or association. This helps insure the toothpaste is not only effective but also safe. Some reliable and effective whitening toothpastes such as Crest 3D Whitening, Colgate Total Whitening and Colgate Optic White.
2. Rinse immediately after consuming stain-causing beverages and foods
Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash or water after a meal can help fight off discoloration. It will flush away all traces of stain-causing beverages and foods that wear away enamel.
Drinking water throughout the day will rinse away stain causing foods and beverages and staying hydrated helps strengthen your teeth and avoid dry mouth. Minerals found in water such as calcium, phosphate, and fluoride strengthen teeth and fight off the cavity-causing bacteria. Water also helps maintain saliva to prevent dry mouth, which can put you at risk for tooth decay.
3. Use a straw
You don’t have to give up your morning cup of coffee or tea to keep your teeth white. You can induldge in your daily caffeine and minimize teeth discoloration by drinking through a straw. This will guide the coffee, tea or soda to the back of the mouth, avoiding contact with your teeth.
4. Practice great oral hygiene
The longer stain-causing beverages and foods stay on your teeth, the more intense the staining will be. By brushing your teeth twice a day, rinsing with mouthwash and flossing regularly, you can remove any left-over foods and beverages that may cause discoloration.
Carry a toothbrush and toothpaste with you, or consider purchasing disposable toothbrushes to keep in a purse, backpack or briefcase to quickly brush up after a meal or beverage.
5. Visit your dentist
To maintain your teeth whitening, visit your dentist twice a year. At regularly scheduled check-ups the hygienist will do a deep cleaning and the dentist will examine your teeth and gums. They will remove plaque build up and polish the surface enamel to eliminate stains. Your dentist may also recommend products and touch up treatments to keep your teeth for as white between visits.
If you have any questions about teeth whitening or want to schedule an appointment, contact Artistic Dental at (602) 840 -5400 or email frontoffice@artisticd.com.