Keeping Your Teeth White After Whitening

You just had your teeth whitened, and you want to preserve that beautiful, new smile.  Maintaining the brilliance of your smile should be easy if you take proper care of them. Over time, things like tobacco, red wine, soda, and coffee that stained your teeth in the first place can gradually diminish some of the luster of your new smile.

Armed with a little knowledge, you can maintain your new sparkling smile with minimal effort.

Keeping Your Teeth White After Whitening

• Use a whitening toothpaste 2 to 3 times a week. Too much brushing can erode enamel and darken dentin.
• Rinse with water after eating or drinking foods that can stain your teeth
• Use a straw when drinking beverages that can stain teeth
• Visit your dentist regularly to see if you need a touch up. It is very common to have a spot treatment within 6 months to a year of having a professional teeth whitening.

Whitening Toothpastes

After your teeth whitening, use a whitening toothpaste 2 to 3 times a week to maintain your smile. Toothpaste designed for whitening will help remove surface stains like those caused by coffee, tobacco, or red wines. These toothpastes typically contain abrasive material that polish the teeth and dissolve surface stains. Always use one with an ADA stamp of approval.

Don’t allow foods that can stain to remain on your teeth for prolonged periods of time. Keep in mind that, according to the Mayo Clinic, it is recommended that you wait at least 60 minutes after consuming acidic foods and drinks to brush your teeth. To alleviate some of the acidity, you can brush your teeth before eating or rinse your mouth with water immediately after eating or drinking.

Using a Straw

This trick may be obvious but using a straw to drink acidic or dark liquids can preserve your newly whitened teeth. To properly maintain them, you should make a habit of using a straw.

Touch Ups

The dentist will examine your teeth color at every cleaning– which should be twice a year—and touch up dark areas, if necessary. Some people even find that touching up once a month is necessary to maintain the level of brightness they want. It will depend on how white you want your teeth!

Visit Island Tower Dentistry

You can have your cake and eat it too! At Island Tower Dentistry, we can professionally whiten your teeth and provide the care and maintenance you need to keep your smile just as dazzling as the first visit. If you’re interested in teeth whitening, or maintaining your brilliant smile, give us a call at (239) 394-1004, using our online contact form or visiting our dental office at 606, Bald Eagle DR. STE 200, Marco Island, Florida 34145.