Brighter and whiter teeth stand out in the best possible way, but they don’t last forever. After teeth whitening, make these easy modifications to avoid new stains and discoloration.
Every year, millions of Americans pursue teeth whitening via services and products that remove or lighten stains. Your teeth are naturally white just like all your other bones, but being exposed to your environment, behaviors, and the foods you eat isn’t conducive to keeping them bright and stain-free. Teeth can acquire stains and discoloration in many ways, and those factors still matter after teeth whitening treatments.
Here at Duo Dental and Laser Spa in Queens, New York, we specialize in cosmetic dental treatments to renew the natural beauty of your smile. Oleg Vinson, DDS, has a passion for granting patients stunning results using the latest cosmetic services including Invisalign® and professional teeth whitening.
Philips Zoom! professional teeth whitening is a treatment under an hour, targeting both extrinsic stains on the outside and intrinsic stains on the inside of the teeth. Most over-the-counter products provide some improvement for extrinsic staining but cannot reach deep enough in your enamel to tackle the inner stains.
As stark as the difference may be after professional teeth whitening, the improvements won’t last forever. The foods, beverages, and behaviors that darkened your teeth in the first place can counteract your results by causing new stains.
Modifying your behaviors to extend your teeth whitening results doesn’t just let you enjoy a more attractive smile for months or years. Doing so can also help you avoid the increased tooth sensitivity that can come from whitening your teeth too often.
Here are a few basic steps you can take to minimize new stains and discoloration after your next teeth whitening treatment:
Whether you prefer cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or cigars, tobacco products are no friend to your teeth. Nicotine can cause your teeth to turn yellow and later tan or brown the more you use it, so smoking cessation is a guaranteed way to limit new stains and discoloration after professional teeth whitening.
Using tobacco also increases your risk of gum disease. It also affects your immune system, so oral infections and diseases are harder to fight off. If you don’t quit smoking for the appearance of your smile, you should consider doing so for the sake of your long-term oral health.
Practicing proper oral hygiene is one of the simplest ways of warding off tooth stains and discoloration. Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day helps remove plaque and tartar buildup from your enamel, which can cause your teeth to appear yellow or discolored.
Professional cleanings are a form of preventive dentistry that help you avoid oral health complications while also minimizing stains.
Many dark-toned beverages seep into tooth enamel that cause stains, especially if you drink them often. Consider limiting the following drinks to stop stains from compromising your teeth whitening results:
Can’t live without your morning coffee or lunchtime soda? Consider using a straw to help the beverage bypass the teeth in the front of your mouth.
Whether or not you have stain-causing foods and beverages in your diet, rinsing your mouth after meals and snacks keeps food particles from building up on your teeth, attracting bacteria, and eventually causing tooth discoloration.
Keep in mind that some tooth discoloration is harder to control. Certain medications, medical conditions, and aging can all cause tooth discoloration that you can’t necessarily avoid (but it might improve a little with professional teeth whitening).
If you’re ready to try professional whitening, request an appointment online or over the phone at Duo Dental and Laser Spa today.
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