6 Ways To Make Your Teeth Whitening Last Longer

Get the most out of your teeth whitening treatment. At Gateway Dental Care in Pleasanton, California, we’ve put together some simple tips for you to make your teeth whitening last longer. Keep your pearly whites dazzling and selfie-ready in six easy steps.

Yes, It’s That Simple

When you’ve invested the time and money on a dazzling smile, the last thing you want to do is stain and dull your newly whitened teeth. The good news is that a few lifestyle tweaks are all that is needed to stretch your results until your next cosmetic dentistry appointment.

• Avoid Foods & Drinks That Stain Teeth
• Eat Foods That Help Protect Teeth
• Use A Straw
• Rinse Teeth After Eating
• See Your Dentist Every 6 Months
• Quit Smoking

Foods & Drinks That Can Stain Your Teeth

Some foods and drinks can break down tooth enamel and stain your teeth. Ideally, these foods and drinks should be avoided if you want to protect your teeth from looking dull or dirty. If you choose to indulge, you should brush after eating or drinking, and if that’s not possible, rinse your mouth well with water.

• Coffee, Tea & Wine
• Tomato Sauce
• Sugary Foods & Drinks
• Acidic Foods & Drinks
• Berries

Healthy Teeth Foods

The good news is that some foods can actually help to protect your teeth. Apples, celery, and other crunchy veggies and fruits are packed with water. Additionally, cheese is great for your teeth and is packed with calcium and phosphorous, which can help keep your teeth strong and healthy.

All of these foods also help your mouth to produce saliva when you chew them. That saliva helps to neutralize the acids that can break down your enamel, leaving your teeth more susceptible to staining.

Up Your Oral Hygiene

Brushing your teeth after each meal and flossing at least once a day can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums as well as preserve your bright smile. If you cannot brush, then rinsing your mouth with water can help. Don’t forget to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and deep cleaning to maintain a healthy smile and increase the longevity of teeth whitening.

Break That Dirty Habit

If you’re a smoker, you now have yet another reason to kick the habit. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes can cause yellow-stained teeth in a matter of months. And within years, those yellow teeth can become brown. Stained teeth are not the only concern, however. Smoking also increases the likelihood of developing gum infections, gum disease, plaque, and oral cancer.

Your Cosmetic Dentist In Pleasanton

At Gateway Dental Care in Pleasanton, California we offer cosmetic dentistry services, including teeth whitening. Your smile says a lot about you, and you want it looking its best. However, teeth whitening is best left to the pros since you risk damaging your enamel when trying to whiten teeth yourself. Contact us today to make an appointment for teeth whitening services and your biannual checkup.