Whitening your teeth requires both a financial and time commitment. When you finally reach your ideal shade, keeping it that way is important. How quickly your teeth need a touch-up depends mostly on your habits and lifestyle.
We offer both speedy in-office teeth whitening and convenient custom take-home teeth whitening in our Springfield, IL dental office.
Here are some easy ways to keep your brightest smile.
Rinse after You Drink Coffee
If you enjoy a morning cup o’ joe, rinsing your mouth immediately after finishing your coffee will reduce the stains that settle into the microscopic pores of your enamel. It’s a good idea to avoid brushing your teeth immediately after you drink acidic drinks because acid softens the enamel protecting your teeth and brushing right away can be abrasive.
Avoid Smoking or Chewing Tobacco
Nothing stains teeth faster than smoking or tobacco use. Quitting can protect your health and your smile. It can be a tough habit to give up, but you will probably feel a lot better.
Regular Teeth Cleanings
In addition to scraping away tartar that collects between dental appointments, your dental hygienist will also use a fine polish to remove surface stains from your teeth. If you do need a touch-up, opting to do it immediately following a teeth cleaning will give you the best results.
Be Mindful of What You Eat and Drink
Don’t avoid your favorite foods, but remember the rinsing rule? This works well for staining foods like blueberries and curry, as well. Any food or beverage that is rich in color can leave deposits on your teeth.
Keep some teeth whitening gel on hand for easy boosts to your smile.
Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic procedures in our Springfield, IL dental office and also one of the most affordable. Give us a call to discuss if teeth whitening will work well for you.