A professional teeth whitening treatment from your dentist can remove years’ worth of stains for a bright and confident smile. You can make the most of this investment by taking the proper steps to maintain that white smile for as long as possible. The cosmetic dentistry experts at Helmbrecht Dental in Fairbanks, AK, are here to explain how to extend the effects of a teeth whitening treatment so your new smile stays bright for a longer length of time.

Local Dentist Offers Tips for Prolonging Teeth Whitening Effects

Make Lifestyle Changes

If you’re a smoker, one of the best steps you can do to prevent yellowing teeth is to quit smoking. The nicotine in cigarettes is responsible for turning teeth yellow — and eventually brown — over the years. This will make a dramatic change to the point where even a professional whitening treatment won’t be able to repair the damage.

You should also avoid — or at least be mindful — with foods and drinks that stain the teeth. This includes dark beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine, and soda, or foods like strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes, and brightly colored candy. If you do eat or drink these foods, rinse or even brush your teeth immediately afterward. Always drink dark beverages through a straw, as this will reduce contact with the front of your teeth.

Practice Smart Oral Hygiene

Start by switching over to a whitening toothpaste. While these kinds of toothpaste won’t make dramatic changes on their own like a professional whitening treatment from a dentist will, the whitening agents in them will target new surface stains as they appear. Floss once a day to prevent the buildup of plaque, which can turn teeth yellow. If you use mouthwash, choose a mouthwash that contains whitening agents like your toothpaste does.

Dr. Helmbrecht and Dr. Chang at Helmbrecht Dental use cutting-edge treatments to give their patients healthy and beautiful smiles. Their services include cosmetic, preventive, and restorative dentistry. Whether you want your wisdom teeth removed or a teeth whitening treatment, they will provide expert-level care. Contact them online or at (907) 456-1237 to schedule an appointment with their dentist. You can also find them on Facebook.