Just Get Your Teeth Whitened? Know How To Take Care Of Them
You can try whitening your teeth using a product from your local drug store, but it will be much easier and faster to have the whitening procedure done by your dentist. When you do decide to make an investment by whitening your teeth, you do not want to undo all of the work that was done by not caring for them. These tips will let you know how to care for your newly whitened teeth.
Avoid Foods and Drinks That Stain
There are many foods that can cause your teeth to become yellowed or stained. Some of these foods include red wine, coffee, tea, soy sauce, blueberries, tomato sauce, and sodas. If you just had teeth whitening done, you should try to avoid foods that can cause discoloration, or at the very least, eat them in moderation. For instance, you may want to re-consider your evening glass of wine if it will cause the discoloration to reappear.
Use A Straw To Drink
The problem with teeth staining beverages is that they wash over your teeth when you sip them from a glass. If you cannot avoid having soda or tea, try drinking the beverage using a straw. It will bring the liquid to the rear of your mouth so you can swallow it, and it won't wash over the surface of the teeth and cause discoloration. Using straws could be just what you need to help keep those teeth white.
Switch To Toothpaste That Will Whiten Your Teeth
There are many products out there that claim to whiten your teeth, which includes the toothpaste that you use every day. These products may not have enough peroxide in them to actually whiten your teeth, but they can contribute to helping them stay the current shade of white that they are after getting your teeth whitened. As long as you realize these types of products would be more for maintenance reasons rather than to make them whiter, you'll have the correct expectations.
Swap Out Your Old Toothbrush Frequently
A problem with older toothbrushes is that the bristles break down and lose their effectiveness. They won't be able to clean the surface of your teeth as well, which can leave those food particles on them that cause teeth staining. Switch out your toothbrush at the first sign of bristles that are damaged, and brushing with that whitening toothpaste will be more effective.
For more tips, speak with your dentist after your teeth whitening procedure.