How to Keep Your Teeth White
Everyone wants a nice white smile. The problem is getting there, and better yet – maintaining it. There are several different ways you can maintain your pearly whites after doing an at home whitening treatment whether its certain foods and drinks to avoid or OTC products you can choose. Our Dental Reflections Dublin office also have some additional ways to keep your teeth white.
Post Whitening Tips
Up to 48 hours after whitening your teeth, try avoiding foods and beverages that can stain your teeth. Think of anything that can stain a white t-shirt – like red wine, coffee or blueberries. When you whiten, you open the pores in the enamel so the whitening can really soak in and take effect. Consuming dark colors will tend to stain or darken the teeth because those pores remain open for up to 48 hours after whitening. Can’t live without coffee? We don’t blame you. Try drinking it through a straw to help pass over the teeth or lightening it up with some cream so it’s not straight black.
Home Hygiene
There are lots of excellent products out on the market that can help maintain your shade. One of our favorites is Crest 3D White Brilliance Toothpaste. This one helps unlock trapped surface stains. Another great toothpaste is Colgate Optic White Toothpaste. You can find it in a bright, shiny red tube. It contains hydrogen peroxide so it also helps with daily surface stains. Flossing is also super important to clean in between the teeth to prevent staining in the areas your toothbrush cannot reach. Crest makes a Glide Whitening Floss with a fresh, minty flavor we would recommend. Be sure to brush at least twice a day and floss once a day. You can also purchase a whitening pen to help maintain your smile between whitening sessions. Be sure to always rinse with water after that last drink of coffee or red wine to help prevent the color from soaking in.
Foods That Help Whiten Teeth
Did you know foods like strawberries and lemons help whiten your teeth? Lemons are very acidic so we don’t want you going around sucking on lemons all day or sipping on lemon water between meals. But it’s a great option to add to your diet every now and then to help keep your smile bright. Strawberries contain malic acid (that helps whiten) and aren’t as acidic and can be consumed on a more regular basis if you choose. Other foods that help with a natural whitening are apples, celery, carrots, yogurt, milk, cheese and baking soda. Try sprinkling a little on your toothpaste for a boost.
Teeth Whitening Options
If you are looking for at-home whitening, we have some great options for you! Dr. Rudi As-Sanie, a family dentist in Dublin, OH, recommends and have in stock Opalescence Go whitening trays. These come in a 10 pack and are worn for only 15-20 minutes a day. We also have GLO Whitening which uses a light and 8 minute sessions to get your smile as white as you want it. This is great for those with sensitivity. Stop by our dental office in Dublin, Ohio, to purchase any of our options or get one next time you are in for your check-up visit!
