Make Your Tooth Whitening Last Longer
If you’ve recently had your teeth professionally whitened, you may be wondering how to make the effects last as long as possible. With some extra care, you can keep your teeth bright and gleaming. We’ve put together 5 tips to help.
- Brush After Every Meal Whenever Possible
- Rinse Your Mouth Frequently
- Choose Your Food Wisely
- Use A Straw
- Avoid Tobacco
1. Brush Your Teeth Frequently
Brushing your teeth is one of the most effective ways to get rid of the substances that stain your teeth. It’s important not to apply too much pressure when you brush because this can actually erode your enamel faster, causing your teeth to appear more yellow and to become more sensitive. It also increases your risk of developing gum recession.
- You should brush with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes.
- Use gentle circular motions on all surfaces of each tooth.
- Be sure to pay extra attention to your back molars and chewing surfaces.
- Don’t forget to brush your tongue afterward to remove any hidden plaque and bacteria!
2. If You Can’t Brush, Rinse
It’s best to brush gently after every meal if you can, but if you’re at work or in another situation where this isn’t possible, you can rinse with water or ADA-approved mouthwash to minimize the amount of acid, plaque, and other gunk that lingers on your teeth.
If you’re in a pinch, you might be able to get away with chewing ADA-approved sugarless gum, which increases saliva flow and may reduce plaque buildup.
3. Watch What You Eat
Coffee, tea, soda, wine, tomato sauce, and berries are known to erode tooth enamel and cause stains – things you’ll want to avoid any time, especially after a recent tooth whitening appointment.
On the other hand, crunchy vegetables and fruits (such as celery, radishes, and apples) increase saliva production, which can neutralize the acids that erode your teeth.
Cheese is also great because it contains lots of calcium, which helps strengthen enamel.
4. Use A Straw To Minimize Stains
If you can’t completely give up coffee, soda, and other delicious tooth-staining drinks, try drinking them with a straw to minimize the amount of contact they make with your teeth. It’s also a good idea to alternate sips of these beverages with sips of water and to rinse your mouth or brush your teeth afterward.
5. Stay Away From Tobacco
It’s no surprise that cigarettes are terrible for your oral health. Not only does smoking increase your risk of various cancers, but it can also turn your teeth yellow after a few short months.
Unfortunately, chewing tobacco is just as bad—the nicotine still stains your teeth and increases your risk of oral cancer, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Brighten Your Smile In San Ramon
If you’re looking to whiten your teeth, choose Dr. Carol Jin, DDS. She has some of the best cosmetic dentist reviews in the San Ramon area. Contact her office today to schedule a touch-up or Zoom whitening appointment.