Today we’re answering the question on everyone’s minds when it comes to their oral health.
How do I keep my teeth white?
We’ll be sharing our favourite tips and tricks as well as how to maintain your brighter, whiter smile.
How to keep teeth white after whitening treatment?
Firstly, we’re going to start off by sharing what you can do to maintain your smile after you’ve had a whitening treatment. After all, you’ll have invested a pretty penny and want to ensure you see the maximum results right?
You’ll essentially need to consider making a few lifestyle changes. Drink less coffee, avoid smoking, and think about switching out that cheeky glass of red for a glass of white.
One thing you might not know about is that you should steer clear of the whitening toothpaste. It sounds counterintuitive but whitening toothpaste can sometimes lead to enamel erosion which, after whitening treatment can be very detrimental.
How long do your teeth stay white after whitening?
Teeth whitening is definitely not a permanent procedure and results can vary. Results can last from as little as a few months all the way to several years. It’s subjective and depends on external factors such as what food and drink you consume daily, whether you’re meticulous with your dental health routine and also if you just have naturally yellower teeth or not. Of course, if you’re a coffee addict, your results won’t last as long as someone who solely drinks water.
How to keep your teeth white when drinking coffee?
We all love a good cup of joe, but it can wreak havoc with our teeth. So how can we avoid it from staining our teeth as much?
Firstly, we recommend completely avoiding coffee for 24-48 hours after a whitening treatment as your teeth can be more porous during this period.
One great tip, albeit a little strange, is to enjoy your cuppa through a straw. You can get away with this more if you’re enjoying an iced caffeinated beverage, but you might get a few looks if not. When you drink through a straw though, the liquid isn’t coming into contact with the front of your teeth.
Also, you can avoid drinking your coffee black. This way the colour is lightened and you’re also getting some calcium from the milk or cream which is proven to help keep your teeth and bones healthy.
You can also rinse your mouth out after drinking coffee to ensure the stains don’t set in.
Finally, whitening toothpaste can also help to curb the stains as they usually have an abrasive in them to help remove surface-level staining.
How to keep your teeth white when smoking?
Whilst we don’t recommend smoking due to the myriad of health complications it can cause, we do recognize you can’t just quit like that. Tobacco is notorious for staining your teeth so we recommend brushing your teeth with a hard-bristled brush and using a toothpaste that’s designed for smokers such as Clinomyn. If you can’t get a hold of a smoker’s toothpaste, then you might want to consider using a whitening one instead to help treat some of the stains. Additionally rinsing your mouth out with a whitening mouthwash can also help to reduce the effects of smoking on the teeth.
How to keep your teeth white when drinking wine?
Red wine is known to stain your teeth pretty quickly and while you’re drinking it you’ll probably be able to see the thin layer of stain lining your teeth.
The best option to keep your teeth whiter would be to ditch the red and switch to a white wine instead. However, there are some other options if you want to enjoy your favourite tipple from time to time.
You could, once again, use a straw, though many might consider that sacrilege. A more socially acceptable option (especially if you’re in a restaurant) is to drink a glass of sparkling water in between each glass to lessen the staining.
Whatever you do, don’t brush your teeth immediately after drinking red wine as this could damage your tooth enamel, specifically if the wine is sweeter or more acidic.
How to keep your teeth white while wearing braces?
Braces are fixed to your teeth which means maintaining a white smile can be difficult. Nevertheless, you do have options. First of all, you need to stay on top of your oral healthcare routine and ensure you’re brushing night and day, preferably with a special brush designed for use with braces. Use interdental brushes to ensure there’s no trapped food in the braces and use special orthodontic flossers. Steer clear of whitening toothpaste as it can damage the brace itself.
You can even consider professional whitening treatment, though we find it’s best to leave this until after your treatment is completed.
We hope this has helped you to maintain your whiter, brighter smile for longer. Remember, if you’re not in a position to invest in professional teeth whitening right away, you can always try some natural remedies to whiten your teeth.