Teeth whitening is the number one most requested cosmetic service, and it’s only getting more popular. Studies show that 80% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 49 want whiter teeth, and 6 out of 10 would feel more confident in their day to day life if they had a brighter smile. There’s an overwhelming variety of teeth whitening techniques, including everything from at-home whitening strips to professional treatments from your dentist. However you choose to whiten, studies show that a beautiful, bright smile can have a dramatic impact on your life and make you look healthier, younger, and even more successful. Unfortunately, no teeth whitening treatment is permanent, and you may find yourself with discolored teeth again if you’re not careful. Save yourself time and money by keeping your teeth bright after teeth whitening in Wichita Falls!
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Keeping your mouth clean with great brushing and flossing habits is key to keeping your teeth white. Plaque that’s allowed to linger on your teeth will harden into a yellowish substance known as tarter, which is very difficult to remove. Regularly brushing for two minutes twice a day clears out plaque before it can harden and change the color of your teeth. For even more help with tarter control, try a specialized whitening toothpaste from your local grocery store.
Healthy teeth are naturally white thanks to their protective shells of enamel. If the enamel is worn down from aggressive brushing or teeth grinding, the grayish layer of dentin underneath becomes easier to see and can make your teeth look discolored. Protect your enamel by only using toothbrushes with soft or medium grade bristles and wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth while you sleep. Certain mouthwashes are also available that are designed to help strengthen and protect your enamel.
Avoid Causes of Discoloration
Alongside keeping your smile healthy and clean, you can maintain your whitening results by avoiding culprits that cause the discoloration in the first place, like:
- Dark-colored foods, drinks, and sauces
- Medications that contain harsh chemicals
- Smoking and chewing tobacco
Your Dentist Can Help Your Smile Stay Bright
Sometimes, you can have great dental habits and still get stained teeth. That’s why you need to visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings, even after you’ve had your teeth whitened. Your dentist can clean out any hard to reach plaque and clear off any yellowish tarter that’s built up. Professional cleanings from your dentist are an easy and effective way to lift stains and fight discoloration without needing to get your teeth whitened again.
You spent time and effort to whiten your teeth, so keep them that way! Protect your new beautiful smile and keep your pearly whites happy, healthy, and shining bright with these simple tips.
About the Author
Dr. Shelly Strohman is a family dentist who offers preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental treatments to the Wichita Falls area. She is a graduate of the UMKC School of Dentistry and a member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and more. For over 13 years, Dr. Strohman has been building beautiful, confident smiles with a variety of cosmetic services, including teeth whitening. If you’d like to know more, she can be reached at her website or at (940) 613-0299.