At Ottawa Teeth Whitening, we understand that maintaining white teeth is an integral aspect of good oral hygiene. While professional teeth whitening can certainly help brighten your smile, there are also practical steps you can take at home to sustain the results. Here are some essential tips to help you keep your teeth looking their best.

Whether you have naturally white teeth or have recently undergone a whitening treatment, it’s essential to remember that you must put in some effort to preserve that beautiful, sparkling smile. Just as you wouldn’t drive your car through mud puddles right after washing it, you must also be thoughtful about how you treat your teeth if you want to keep them white. To ensure your teeth stay bright for an extended period, follow these helpful tips.

Minimize Staining Liquids

If you find yourself reaching for a mug of coffee every morning or a cold glass of cola every afternoon, you may notice that your teeth are losing their bright appearance. Coffee, tea, red wine, and cola are some of the common beverages that can stain teeth. If you’re committed to maintaining white teeth, it’s crucial to cut back on these drinks.

Use a Straw. If you can’t give up these drinks, try using a straw to sip them, particularly in the first few days after a teeth whitening treatment. Sipping through a straw can minimize the amount of liquid that comes into contact with your teeth. You can even invest in a set of reusable straws to keep them easily accessible wherever you go.

Eliminate Tobacco

Quitting the use of tobacco not only helps keep your teeth white but also has numerous other oral health benefits. Tobacco use is linked to several harmful oral conditions, such as gum disease, oral cancer, dulled taste buds, and delayed healing after certain dental procedures. By eliminating tobacco from your routine, you can significantly improve the appearance of your teeth and overall dental health.

Try a Whitening Toothpaste

Using whitening toothpaste is an effective solution for eliminating surface stains that may have accumulated on your teeth during the day. It’s a simple yet effective step that can provide your teeth with a refreshing whitening boost twice a day, giving you more reasons to show off your smile.

Drink Water Between Beverages That Stain

To avoid staining your teeth, it’s best to consume potentially discoloring beverages in moderation and drink water between each sip. Not only is water beneficial for your overall health, but it can also help rinse away any dark liquids from the surfaces of your teeth. Consider alternating a sip of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate with a drink of water to minimize the impact of these beverages on your teeth. Plus, your flavored beverage will last longer, and your teeth will thank you for it.

Brush Your Teeth After

When it comes to staining your teeth, the longer the liquid remains on your teeth, the more significant the discoloration can be. To counteract this, consider carrying a toothbrush and toothpaste with you to freshen up after drinking a potentially staining beverage like coffee. However, it’s important to wait for at least 30 minutes after consuming any acidic drink before brushing your teeth. If you brush too soon, you may spread the acidity around your teeth, exacerbating any damage instead of cleaning it off.

Keep Up Your Daily Oral Care Routine

Maintaining a proper oral care routine is the most effective way to prevent stained teeth. Plaque tends to attract staining substances, so reducing plaque buildup through regular oral care can minimize overall discoloration. Consistent brushing twice a day can help keep your mouth clean, healthy, and free from stains. It’s also essential to floss at least once a day to prevent any potential staining around the surfaces of your teeth, even if you brush your teeth regularly.

 See Your Dentist for Regular Cleanings

 In addition to maintaining a regular daily care routine, visiting your dentist’s office for regular checkups at least twice a year can help you keep your teeth white. Your dentist or dental hygienist can polish away surface stains during teeth cleanings. Professional cleanings use an abrasive action to fight discoloration without having to bleach your teeth again, which is a useful tool for maintaining a bright smile.

While excellent brushing habits and professional cleanings can help maintain your bright smile, stains may still return over time, even without habits like coffee, drinking, and smoking. If you’re considering whitening your teeth, it’s essential to talk to your dentist and only use bleaching products that have the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance or were given to you by your dentist.