How to Extend Teeth Whitening Effects
Professional tooth whitening is an excellent way to improve the appearance of your smile. You are probably pleased with the results, and you may even feel more confident now that you have had it done. Professional tooth whitening results typically last about a year, though this varies greatly depending on a variety of individual factors. If you have had tooth whitening and notice that the effects are wearing off, especially if you are trying to avoid staining habits, it is time to come in for a touch-up.
Teeth whitening can help you achieve the brighter, whiter smile you desire. Professional teeth whitening benefits many people for approximately three years. Your daily lifestyle habits can have an impact on this in both positive and negative ways.
- Maintain proper hydration.
Drinking enough water improves dental hygiene by flushing away bacteria that can accumulate in your mouth during or after meals. It also promotes normal immune system function by reducing the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth. All of this can affect the color of your teeth, as the bacterial buildup is one of the potential causes of darkening.
- Maintain regular dental cleanings.
Another reason to maintain regular dental cleanings is to have whiter teeth. Getting a professional dental cleaning twice a year will help your teeth stay white. During a tooth cleaning, we scrape away the tartar and plaque that has accumulated on your teeth, leaving them dull and unsightly.
- Maintain good oral hygiene.
Improving your oral hygiene habits, like quitting smoking, can benefit more than just your teeth. Brushing for at least two minutes twice a day and using proper technique, as well as flossing daily, can help keep your teeth clean while removing staining substances that may be lingering in your mouth. These habits also help to prevent decay-related discoloration.
You should also visit us on a regular basis for professional cleaning. For the majority of people, this entails two cleanings per year.
- Keep an eye on what you eat and drink.
There is no need to completely alter your diet to achieve longer-lasting teeth whitening results, but avoiding foods and beverages that are known to cause or worsen stains and discoloration can help. If you enjoy the following foods, you should limit your intake of black tea, coffee, dark sodas like colas and root beer, dark curry dishes, specific fruits, and vegetables like beets, cherries, and cranberries, red wine, and tomato sauce.
A straw can also be used to reduce the staining effects of darker drinks.
- Quit smoking and chewing tobacco.
Tobacco use and smoking can result in darker, discolored teeth. According to studies, even 14 days of cigarette smoke exposure caused significant darkening in animal enamel blocks.
Tobacco products adhere to your teeth immediately and do not always disappear with brushing. Seek professional help if you are having trouble quitting tobacco or smoking. It may be a difficult transition, but it will be beneficial to your teeth and overall health.