You have had a dental cleaning recently and followed it with professional teeth whitening in our Saint Paul dental office. Your teeth are probably gleaming! Keeping them that way is perhaps important to you, and our team is here to help by offering tips to keep those pearly whites brilliant.
4 Tips to Maintain a Whiter Smile
Tip #1 Know the Foods and Beverages that Stain Teeth
It’s common knowledge that tobacco use causes stains on teeth, but what about everyday foods and beverages? Here are some of the more significant culprits that produce yellow or brown stains on your teeth.
- Curry and turmeric
- Green leafy vegetables like kale
- Red and white wine
- Coffee and Tea
- Berries and cherries
- Energy drinks and soda
You can count on anything with deep color to leave some deposits behind. How can you avoid stained teeth without giving up your favorite foods?
Tip #2 Rinse Your Teeth after Eating or Drinking Colorful Items
Give your mouth a swish after you finish eating your fruits and veggies, or after consuming colorful drinks. If you can, brush your teeth afterward, but wait about 30 minutes after consuming anything too acidic, as brushing your teeth right after acid is introduced into the enamel can damage it further.
Tip #3 Have a Professional Cleaning
Many surface stains will be polished away during the final part of your dental cleaning – your polish. The hygienist will use a mild toothpaste to polish away tartar residue along with surface stains that have collected.
Tip #4 Drink through a Straw
When drinking colorful or staining beverages, try drinking through a straw, especially right after you whiten your teeth.
Teeth whitening dehydrates the tooth temporarily and makes it more susceptible to stains. If you drink through a straw, you can bypass the front of your teeth.
For more information about teeth whitening in Saint Paul, contact Highgrove Dental Care for a consultation.