After Teeth Whitening, Follow These 3 Tips

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that most of us know very well and love very much. Teeth whitening strips, gels, and lasers are making it possible for men and women of all ages to have smiles that are brighter and more attractive than ever. If you are among the many who are considering in investing in a teeth whitening procedure, whether it’s at home or in the dental office, there are a few things that you should know. Start by consulting a dentist in St. Charles for advice on choosing the right teeth whitening product, and then follow these tips:

Learn to identify the foods and drinks that can discolor your teeth. You might already know to avoid coffee, tea, and red wine, but did you know that there are other foods and drinks that can cause discoloration? Tomato sauce, sports drinks, berries, and hard candies are so deeply pigmented that the residue to can transfer directly onto your teeth.

Quit Smoking. Tobacco is notorious for staining the teeth. The harmful ingredients that are used to make tobacco products keep the teeth covered in a very dark layer of stain that is incredibly difficult to remove. Along with the teeth, tobacco also stains the tongue and lips, destroying any progress that you might achieve through teeth whitening.

Keep your teeth clean. Clean teeth will stay whiter longer. When the surfaces of the teeth are covered with a sticky film of plaque, food particles and pigments are more likely to stick to the teeth also. Brushing all surfaces of the teeth thoroughly and flossing each day will keep the surface of your teeth clean and free from stains. You can improve your oral hygiene by choosing an electric toothbrush, whitening toothpaste, and waxed dental floss.

For more tips on extending the results after you have whitened your teeth, consult a dentist in St. Charles today.