Parental dental tips

When you have a teeth whitening treatment carried out by a professional provider of cosmetic dentistry services, you are likely to be amazed at how white your smile looks. Unfortunately, the effects of professional teeth whitening do not last forever. In particular, there are a few foods, beverages and bad habits that can cause your teeth to become discoloured, reversing your dentist's hard work. However, these five tips can help the whiteness to last as long as possible.

1. Don't Smoke

The chemicals in cigarette smoke can quickly cause freshly whitened teeth to turn yellow. For a less harmful alternative, try using an electronic cigarette or using a nicotine patch or gum. These nicotine replacement products contain fewer staining chemicals and could help your teeth to stay whiter for longer. Hopefully, they can help you give up cigarettes for good, which will have multiple benefits for your dental health.

2. Resist Staining Foods and Beverages

Certain drinks, such as red wine and black coffee, are notorious for leaving stains on teeth. Foods such as black licorice and dark-coloured berries can also leave some stains To help your smile stay brighter for longer, try switching to less staining alternatives, such as green tea, white wine, or light-coloured fruits. These simple dietary changes could make a big difference to the longevity of your new whiter smile.

3. Rinse Regularly

Don't worry if you give in to temptation occasionally. You can reduce the staining effect of foods and drinks by rinsing your mouth with water after you consume them. This simple tip reduces the amount of time staining chemicals spend in contact with your teeth, reducing the risk of stains building up and spoiling the effects of your whitening treatment.

4. Use Whitening Mouthwash and Toothpaste

Boost the stain-fighting power of your dental hygiene routine by swapping your regular toothpaste and mouthwash for ones that are specifically designed to whiten teeth. These products are designed to loosen stains from teeth before they become ingrained, helping your smile to stay white.

5. Flossing Is Important Too

If you want to keep your smile beautifully white, it's not enough to simply brush and rinse. Flossing removes traces of food and dental plaque from the hard-to-reach gaps between your teeth, giving stain-causing bacteria nowhere to hide. If you skip flossing, you may notice your teeth becoming yellow around the edges, as plaque begins to harden into difficult-to-remove tartar.