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5 Tips to Make Your Teeth Whitening Treatment Last Longer

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Teeth whitening in the dentist's office can give some fantastic results, but your teeth can quickly start to turn yellow again after the procedure. To make your teeth whitening treatment last longer, follow these tips.

1. Use Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste isn't only designed for removing stains from teeth; it's also a great option if your aim is to prevent stains from developing in the first place. You can begin using whitening toothpaste on the day you have your teeth whitened to protect the effects of your treatment. Use it at least twice a day to scrub stains from your teeth and prevent them from dulling your bright smile.

2. Stay Away From Cigarettes

Smoking is one of the biggest causes of stained tooth enamel. If you smoke, it's unlikely that your teeth will stay white for long after a professional whitening treatment, even if you use whitening toothpaste every day. Cigarette smoke not only contains chemicals that turn tooth enamel an unattractive shade of yellow; it can also cause tooth enamel to become thin and weak, reducing the pearly whiteness of your smile in a way that standard whitening procedures may not be able to fix. If you've been meaning to kick the habit for a while, set the day of your tooth whitening appointment as your quit date. Using a nicotine patch can help with cravings without compromising your new white smile.

3. Rinse Away Staining Foods and Drinks

Keeping your teeth white doesn't have to mean giving up all your favourite foods and drinks. You can still indulge in the occasional glass of red wine or mug of steaming black coffee, as long as you remember to rinse your mouth after you indulge. Using a whitening mouthwash can maximize the stain-fighting power of this tip, but even rinsing with plain water could make a difference.

4. Try Alternative Treats

If rinsing after every glass of wine sounds like too much trouble, another option is to make slight changes to the types of beverages you consume. White wine is much less likely than red to stain your teeth, while herbal teas are a low-stain alternative to coffee or black tea.

5. Don't Forget to Floss

Often, the reason teeth don't look perfectly white is because they are covered in a thin layer of dental plaque. Brushing removes some plaque, but toothbrush bristles often can't reach into the areas between teeth, which means the bacteria have a place to hide out. Ensure your teeth are fully clean by using dental floss to clean the gaps between them, ridding your mouth of plaque and reducing the ability of bacteria to spoil your new white smile.


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