Teeth whitening from your dentist can make a dramatic difference in the look of your smile, so be sure you make the results last. It's easy for brightly colored foods to stain your teeth again, dulling your bright smile. To prevent this, here are some dental care tips for maintaining your teeth whitening.

How to Keep Your Teeth Whitening Fresh

Avoid Staining Foods

While many foods and drinks can color your teeth, there are a few in particular which are the worst offenders. Soda is a harmful beverage due to the combination of acidity, sugar, and coloring agents. Coffee, tea, and wine can also dull your teeth because they contain tannins, compounds which darken dental enamel. Curry, tomato sauce, and bright food coloring are also culprits in teeth staining. Limit your intake of all of these foods, and rinse your mouth after eating or drinking to avoid letting them sit on your teeth.

Touch up at Home

No matter how careful you are, you'll still need occasional maintenance after a professional teeth whitening treatment. Ask your dentist about at-home whitening options. They may be able to fit you with a custom teeth whitening tray and instructions regarding how often to use it at home, or they might recommend a whitening pen for correcting stains as they occur.

Return to the Dentist

Once your teeth are at the shade you want, talk to your dentist about how often you should maintain them professionally and at home. Regular professional whitening is an effective way to counteract any wear and tear which leaves your teeth looking dull. Typical touch-ups can be scheduled every six months to a year.

For professional teeth whitening and follow up care, turn to the team at Nicholas J. Hurley D.D.S., P.A., in Thomasville, NC. Serving Davidson County, Dr. Hurley has 12 years of experience in general, family, and cosmetic care and offers cutting-edge procedures like dental implants. These professionals also provide braces, fixed bridges, dermal fillers, and root canals. To schedule an appointment, book online or call (336) 476-1109.