How to keep your teeth looking great post-whitening

While your teeth seem smooth, they actually contain thousands of microscopic pores. Due to this characteristic, if a food or drink can stain your shirt, it can likely stain your teeth, too! That’s because the pigments in spaghetti sauce, coffee, or tea can seep into these pores. A standard toothbrush can’t reach these areas. The deposits remain and build up, making your teeth look darker, yellow, and otherwise stained. So, you can brush and floss your teeth consistently and still have teeth that look less than their pearly white best. 

How long do the results from teeth whitening last?

The Pleasant Dental^® team in Dolton, Illinois, can help you keep the results from whitening treatment with bleaching trays. This convenient, comfortable, and effective option is designed to whiten your teeth gradually over days or weeks.

The habits that are good for the health of your teeth are also good for their appearance. Notably, it is essential to maintain professional teeth cleaning appointments at our office. During your regular check-up, our hygienist removes surface stains – along with stubborn plaque build-up or tartar. Of course, these visits are not a substitute for good home care. We can advise on techniques and oral care products to support a healthy, bright smile. 

The color of your teeth is very much “what you eat.” You may limit those foods and beverages that are dark in color and highly pigmented. These products tend to be “staining” and are often mentioned in the same breath as “yellow teeth.” They include coffee, red wine, sports drinks, sodas, berries, and sauces. 

Of course, some of these foods can be hard to resist and are among those indulgences that we have in life. So, if you sip on a favorite latte, rinse with water as you enjoy your drink. Or, if you snack on some berries, keep your toothbrush close by. 

It probably goes without saying, but smoking and tobacco products are a “no-no” for your teeth and body. 

Remember that some foods, too, are particularly “tooth-friendly.” Fibrous and crunchy foods like carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli are natural “scrubbers” to help remove the bad stuff, while strawberries contain a natural stain-fighting acid. 

Pleasant Dental^® can also advise on “touch-up” products and treatments to maintain your results. Call our Dolton, IL team at (708) 576-1900 to learn more.

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