A common misconception people have about teeth whitening is that once you get it done, you don’t have to take any extra steps to keep your teeth white. Unfortunately that isn’t the case, according to your cosmetic dentist in Canton. Eating certain foods and failing to get the occasional touchup can cause your investment start fading in as little as one month.
Luckily, there are ways to keep your teeth white for longer, extending the time between touchups. To find out how, keep reading this post from your dentist; it just may save you money in the future.
Manage Your Diet
The foods you eat have a large impact on how well your teeth whitening in Canton maintains. For example, if you consume any of these foods and beverages regularly, considering swapping them out for something that doesn’t stain your teeth, like water, white or oil-based sauces, and apples. Foods that easily stain include:
- Wine (red or white)
- Coffee
- Dark Teas
- Dark Colas
- Tomato Sauce
- Dark-Colored Fruits
As a rule of thumb, if the food or beverage is notorious for staining clothing, then it can stain teeth easily as well.
Consume Responsibly
If you must consume any of the beverages listed, there are ways to minimize their exposure to your teeth. A great way is by drinking them through a straw. This way you can direct the liquid away from your teeth and prevent it from making contact if you had sipped it normally.
Keep in mind that many of the drinks listed are also acidic. This means they can erode tooth enamel more easily than other drinks, making your whitening wear down even more.
Follow Good Oral Hygiene
If you already have a strict oral care regimen, then you’re already on the right track. To remove surface stains from your teeth, use teeth whitening toothpaste once or twice a week during your routine. Don’t use it too often though to prevent the harsh abrasives from removing tooth enamel. In addition, include an antiseptic mouthwash to kill plaque-causing bacteria.
Know When It’s Time for a Touchup
Even if you avoid all the foods mentioned and have a strict oral care routine, you’ll need to visit your cosmetic dentist in Canton for a touchup eventually. You may need one six months from your original whitening, but this depends on the whitening treatment you chose. It also depends on if you opt to use take-home whitening kits in between dental visits.
The more you change your habits to accommodate your whitened teeth, the longer you can go without a touchup. If you start to notice fading in your smile, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Canton today!
About the Author
Dr. Ben Bratcher earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry, where he also made the Dean’s Honor List. Today, he’s a member of the ADA, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. To learn more tips about keeping your smile white and about his practice, contact him at (903) 567-4881 or visit his website.