Achieving a brilliant, beautiful smile through teeth whitening requires a bit of work. You may need multiple sessions to achieve your desired shade, and it takes time. So it’s important not to throw all that time, effort, and money away by falling back into the old habits that caused the discoloration in the first place. Here are a few tips to keep your teeth dazzling long after your whitening treatments have ended.

3 Ways to Prevent Discoloration After Teeth Whitening

1. Avoid Foods & Beverages That Cause Stains

Some of the biggest culprits of tooth discoloration are the foods and drinks you consume every day. Although you don’t need to cut them out entirely, you should consider decreasing your intake of beverages such as coffee, black tea, red wine, and artificially colored punches and sports drinks. When you do indulge in these, use a straw. Foods such as berries and tomato sauce can contribute to discoloration as well. To maximize the effect of your teeth whitening treatments, rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth after consuming any of these stain-causing substances.

2. Don’t Smoke

Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco will give your teeth a yellow hue and can wear down the enamel, making them even more vulnerable to other causes of stains. Quitting will protect your teeth from the harmful chemicals in tobacco products and improve both your dental and overall health.

3. Practice Good Oral Care 

Your daily dental care regimen should include brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing with mouthwash. To keep your teeth bright, ask your dentist to recommend the best whitening toothpaste for you.

If you’d like to improve the look of your smile with teeth whitening or cosmetic dentistry procedures, Hulse Dental in Onalaska, WI, can help. Dr. Kurt Hulse is dedicated to providing top-notch, personalized care using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques in a comfortable environment. From regular checkups to dental implants, Dr. Hulse has the expertise to address all your dental care concerns. To make an appointment today, call (608) 783-1306, or visit their website to find out more about their practice.