7 Everyday Habits That Keep Your Smile Bright after Whitening

After teeth whitening, the last thing you want is for those stubborn stains to creep back. In many cases, your whitened teeth last 1-3 years. However, optimal maintenance is needed to maintain your whitened smile. Here are a few tweaks you can make to your daily routine to keep your teeth looking brighter for much longer.

1. Brush your teeth diligently: Brush your teeth with toothpaste with gentle whitening agents to remove surface stains before they set in. Make it part of your morning and evening routine to keep your enamel smooth and stain-resistant.
2. Floss daily: Even if you brush your teeth diligently, you can’t effectively reach some areas. Flossing removes surface stains and plaque between teeth and just beneath the gum line. Floss your teeth daily, especially before bedtime. Opt for an interdental brush or water flosser if you struggle with traditional dental floss. 
3. Limit intake of staining foods: Coffee, tea, red wine, and berries—these favorites are notorious for leaving stains. Limit their consumption to keep your teeth looking brilliant. If you indulge, rinse or brush your teeth soon after to wash away pigment particles before they stick. If you want to consume beverages, use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth. 
4. Keep your mouth hydrated: Water is your smile’s best friend. It rinses away food particles, balances your mouth’s pH, and keeps your enamel less prone to staining. Plus, staying hydrated supports healthy saliva production.
5. Quit tobacco use: Smoking and chewing tobacco are significant stain culprits. Not only do they dull your smile, but they also harm your overall oral health. Kicking the habit is one of the best ways to keep your teeth white.
6. Touch up your results with whitening trays: Refresh your results with your at-home whitening kit every six months or when needed. Whitening trays keep your smile brilliant without the need for an in-office treatment. 
7. Visit your dentist regularly: Even with perfect home care, plaque and tartar can build up over time. Professional cleanings every six months remove these deposits and polish your teeth, helping maintain your whitening results. We also inspect your teeth to detect and treat minor dental issues before they advance. 

Teeth whitening isn’t a one-time event—it’s a smile investment. Following these daily habits allows you to enjoy your bright results for months or even years. And when you need a touch-up, your dentist can recommend the best maintenance plan for you.

Ready for a whiter smile? Explore your teeth whitening options at Creekside Dental Care. Call (587) 600-1089 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Andres Marquez Guzman. Let’s help you discover the best version of your smile.