Nearly 19% of Americans have whitened their teeth, and that number continues to grow. Professional teeth whitening can minimize stains and discoloration caused by age, smoking, or drinking beverages like coffee, but the results aren’t permanent. If you want your smile to stay bright, routine maintenance is a must.
At her San Jose, California, practice, dentist Irma Francisco, DDS, offers in-office professional teeth whitening and custom take-home whitening trays. Here, she outlines five simple things you can do to maintain your results following treatment.
Certain foods and drinks contain pigments or tannins that can stain your teeth. The biggest culprits are beverages such as coffee, black tea, and red wine, but foods like berries and tomatoes can also cause discoloration.
Thankfully, you don’t have to skip your favorite treats. Drinking with a straw can help because it prevents liquids from making contact with your teeth and reduces stains. When it comes to eating, simply rinse your mouth with water after meals. This one step provides an extra line of defense and makes discoloration less likely.
Plaque and tartar often contribute to tooth discoloration, so it’s important to practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash. If you want to support your results even more, consider using a whitening toothpaste, as it can help reduce surface stains.
Tobacco products, such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco, are notorious for staining the teeth. They contain tar, which can make your teeth brown, and nicotine, which can yellow your teeth when it oxidizes. They also increase the risk of oral health problems, including gum disease and oral cancer. Quitting can reduce stains and help keep your mouth healthy for years to come.
Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash can lower your risk of cavities and gum disease, but at-home care isn’t enough. Even with a strict routine, plaque can build up in hard-to-reach places between your teeth and underneath your gums.
Professional dental cleanings can help eliminate this buildup and remove any surface stains. Most people benefit from cleanings every six months, but if you have a history of dental issues, more frequent checkups may be necessary.
The results of professional teeth whitening naturally fade over time. If you want to extend them, over-the-counter (OTC) products can help. OTC products, like Crest white strips, don’t work as well as professional treatment, but they can minimize stains until your next checkup.
Professional teeth whitening can brighten your smile for four to six months and sometimes longer, but the results aren’t permanent. If you’re noticing more stains or your teeth simply look dull, now is the perfect time to take action.
To get started, contact us today by calling the office or booking an appointment online. After an exam, Dr. Francisco can determine whether an in-office whitening treatment or take-home whitening trays is the best option for you.
