As a teeth whitening patient, you have spent time and money on either a professional in-office teeth whitening procedure or some type of teeth whitening product for at home use. The goal of the teeth whitening session is to achieve the optimum results, which ensure the satisfaction of a brighter, whiter smile. While professional, in office dental teeth whitening results are longer lasting, you should be weary of reversing whitening results or staining teeth with poor habits and diet.
The Whiter, Brighter Smile Diet:
Get Crunchy
Eating foods that are natural in crispness, such as apples, celery, carrots, can help to keep teeth naturally cleaner and free from stains. Apples and carrots can even aid in the removal of existing stains. Including a crunchy produce during or after each meal will not only help to keep you healthy but will also help to keep those pearly whites all the more precious.
Milk It Up
Steak is great, but cows offer so much more than just meaty sustenance. Old Betsy’s products, which include milk, cheese, and yogurt, have been studied to noticeably whiten and maintain sparkling teeth due to the dairy products’ natural bacteria. After completing professional whitening sessions, gnaw on some hard cheese or eat some yogurt to mitigate darkening of the enamel.
Crazy Straw Everything
Whether bendy, straight, or crazy straws, drinking beverages through straws may prevent surface staining on the enamel. Straws allow you to still drink your favorite beverages while decreasing negative contact with teeth.
Keep Wine Wednesdays Rare
Drinking a glass of wine a day may be recommended by some studies, but dentists caution against red wine daily, because it may increase enamel surface staining and darkening. Limiting wine consumption may thwart unsightly teeth discoloration. For similar reasons, try sipping coffee and tea less often. Both caffeinated beverages are notorious for darkening teeth, just ask a qualified dental hygienist. Stains don’t lie, and neither do experienced professionals.
Floss, Brush, Rinse, Repeat
Everyone has heard the importance of dental care to improve oral hygiene and overall health. But most people don’t consider that consistent dental care and regular visits to the dentists help to remove staining and brighten smiles. Daily oral care helps to improve a smile’s overall appearance while ensuring a healthier mouth.
By Alexander Ash, DDS
Dr. Ash is the founder of Studio Dental Care. He earned his Doctorate at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, followed by two General Residencies at New York-Presbyterian / Weill-Cornell Hospital and the UCLA Sepulveda VA Hospital.