Over time, the outer layers of our teeth are susceptible to stains and general discoloration. Fortunately, many dentists offer professional teeth whitening treatments, which can restore your smile to gleaming shades without increasing sensitivity. Once the treatment is complete, you likely want to continue enjoying the results for as long as possible. Use the following pointers to keep your teeth brighter for longer.

3 Tips to Preserve Your Teeth Whitening Treatment

1. Focus on Mid-Day Dental Hygiene

If you’re like most, you make sure to brush when you wake up and before you go to bed. To maintain a spotless smile, it’s wise to keep a toothbrush and paste in your pocket, purse, or lunch bag. Try to brush after each meal, or at least during your lunch hour. That way, you don’t allow stains to rest on your enamel for eight hours at a time.

2. Be Aware of Highly Pigmented Foods

To keep your teeth whitening results, you might have to cut back on the more highly pigmented foods in your normal diet. Fresh berries, coffee, black tea, dark soda, and red wine will all send you back to the dentist for touch-ups more often.

First, try switching to alternatives, such as melon or citrus, herbal tea, white wine, and clear carbonated beverages. If you can’t give up your favorite beverage, make sure to drink water afterward to prevent staining agents from setting in.

3. Choose Snacks That Naturally Clean

Some foods will actually scrape away residue from those sticky, pigmented snacks, which is helpful when you can’t keep running to the bathroom to brush. Choose crunchy produce options like apple slices, celery sticks, baby carrots, and green beans, which will rub against your teeth and gums as you chew them. Many of these flavorful options also trigger the salivary glands, which slowly release saliva to help rinse out your mouth.

When you need a teeth whitening touch-up, head to Dr. Thomas Park DDS of Seymour, CT. This dentist prides himself on offering gentle services in a tranquil setting, so you can perfect your smile without added stress. In addition to cosmetic treatments, he also offers preventive and restorative treatments, such as cleanings and root canals. To learn more about his office, visit his website or call (203) 888-9947 to schedule an appointment.