How to Extend the Results of Teeth Whitening

Teeth discolor because of eating and drinking habits – too much coffee and red wine, perhaps? Tobacco use, trauma, and the aging process also contribute to a less-than-bright smile.

Some cases of discoloration, such as those that result from accidents, medication, or excessive fluoride use, can’t be lightened with traditional in-office solutions. However, patients with healthy, unrestored teeth and healthy gums, but yellow-toned teeth, can benefit. Whitening solutions dissolve the stains that occur on the outermost surface of the tooth.

If after consultation, the team here at South Plains Rural Health Services believes you’d get a brighter, whiter smile with simple general dentistry treatments, you’ll want to know how to keep your teeth looking their best afterward. Follow these tips to prevent yellowing from returning prematurely.

Minimize stain-causing foods

Be aware of the stain-causing beverages and foods you consume regularly and cut back. If you’re able to halt the habits that cause yellowed teeth, that’s even better.

Berries, red wine, black tea, and coffee can all be offenders. If you can’t give up your glass of wine or your morning coffee, consider sipping them with a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.

Rinse your mouth after eating and drinking colored beverages

A quick swish of water after a cup of coffee or a bowl of berries can help rinse the staining compounds from your teeth. If you can, it’s even better to thoroughly brush after consuming such staining foods and drinks. You minimize the amount of time your teeth stay in contact with the offending items.

Maintain excellent oral hygiene

Always brush two times a day (minimally) and floss once. These steps help keep your pristine smile. Use a whitening toothpaste between whitening treatments to maintain your brilliant smile, too. A soft toothbrush is gentle on teeth and gums that may be temporarily sensitive from the whitening process, too.

Also, coming in for your regular cleanings and dental exams help maintain excellent oral hygiene. Not only can such check-ups identify problems – such as cavities – before they cause serious complications, these visits also remove plaque and yellow build-up that discolors teeth. You can’t get rid of all this build-up on your own, even with the best cleaning habits. Special tools used in our office dissolve some stains without you having to go through a whitening process again.

Quit smoking

If you’re a smoker, your results will be limited since continued smoking restores the discoloration rapidly. And, if you do have discolored teeth because of issues such as trauma or decay, you may not be able to whiten with a hydrogen peroxide solution, but our complete dentistry services can help you with crowns to aesthetically improve the look of your teeth and other issues of smile health.

Healthy teeth are important to good physical health and self-esteem. If you’re unhappy with the color of your teeth, talk to our dental team here at South Plains Rural Health Services, serving residents of Levelland, Lamesa, and Big Spring, Texas. We can help you achieve a smile you’re proud to flash with our dental services, such as crowns and bridges.