If you’ve recently had an in-office teeth whitening procedure done at Parkcrest Dental Group or whitened your teeth at home, you may be searching for ways to maintain your newly brightened smile. Over time, your teeth will most likely lose their luster and gradually stain, but with proper care, you can prolong the results of your teeth whitening. At Parkcrest Dental Group, we recommend the following tips to maintaining your newly whitened teeth.
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Brush Daily with Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
Whether you’ve recently whitened your teeth or not, daily brushing and flossing is a crucial component to maintaining your oral health. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Continuing to brush twice a day after your teeth whitening will help remove plaque and reduce the appearance of yellowing. You may also try introducing some new products into your dental hygiene routine such as whitening toothpaste and mouthwash, which work to remove surface stains from your teeth.
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Combat Beverages That Stain Teeth
Many beverages, including coffee, tea, red wine, fruit juices, and dark sodas, are notorious for staining and yellowing teeth. Regular consumption of these beverages will most likely have a negative impact on your newly whitened teeth, but you can combat staining by exercising caution. First, brush your teeth after drinking one of these beverages. For example, if you usually brush your teeth before your morning coffee, try changing your routine and brush your teeth after drinking coffee, instead. If you cannot brush your teeth at the time, rinsing out your mouth with water after drinking one of these beverages may also fight staining. Second, use a straw when possible, especially when drinking sodas, to avoid contact between the beverage and the surface of your teeth. Finally, avoid other substances that stain your teeth and harm your oral health, such as smoking. Instead, improve your teeth and gums by drinking plenty of water throughout the day and eating fibrous foods such as apples and celery, which strengthen your teeth.
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Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Although home-care, such as brushing and flossing with whitening toothpaste, is a great way to maintain the results of your teeth whitening, regular check-ups with your dentist are the most effective way to maintain your brightened smile. Professional teeth-cleanings remove plaque build-up that cannot be removed with regular brushing and polish the surface of the teeth, decreasing surface stains. To schedule or a check-up with your dentist in Springfield, MO, or to learn more about teeth whitening services, feel free to contact Parkcrest Dental Group!