Pearly white teeth are part of what makes a smile attractive. While good brushing techniques and regular checkups can help, only professional teeth whitening can get rid of accumulated stains. At Acosta Dental Arts, we have in-office or at-home whitening treatment solutions. No matter which you choose, you’ll love your results. But how can you keep your teeth white? We wanted to share some tips to help you maintain your bright smile.
For the first 48 hours, eat a white diet.
You need to eat a white food and beverage diet for the first two days after treatment. You should enjoy things like yogurt, bread, milk, eggs, lean proteins like chicken or turkey, peeled potatoes, and other choices that won’t stain your teeth. The reason is your teeth are more porous after a whitening treatment. So, you’ll have to avoid beverages such as coffee and wine and foods like berries, soy sauce, and marinara sauce.
Ways to Maintain Results in the Long Term
Once you have passed the first two days of your white diet, you can return to enjoy your normal meals and beverage choices. However, if you want to maintain the results, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Limit staining foods and beverages
Foods such as berries, soy sauce, marinara sauce, and beverages such as coffee and wine stain your teeth. A good rule of thumb is: if it can stain your shirt, it can stain your teeth. So, try to limit these foods as much as possible.
If you can’t resist your favorite dishes, there are ways you can limit your tooth’s exposure to stains. For example, consider eating dark green vegetables before pasta dishes to create a film that protects your teeth from the sauce. Or sip coffee through a straw.
- Brush your teeth twice daily for at least two minutes
Brushing your teeth regularly is one of the best ways to maintain a bright smile. However, how you brush is very important. Make sure you brush for at least two minutes twice a day. If you have had a meal that is acidic, such as citrus fruits or marinara sauce, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing. Otherwise, you could damage your tooth enamel. Floss regularly too, at least once daily.
- Visit us for checkups
Another way to keep your teeth white is with regular cleanings and exams. We’ll perform a professional teeth cleaning that will get rid of surface stains and any tartar or plaque from your teeth. We’ll also examine your mouth for any oral health issues that need treatment. Keeping your smile healthy is important.
Want a teeth whitening or need to schedule a cleaning? Call 561-763-9578 or contact us online to request an appointment at Acosta Dental Arts in North Palm Beach, FL.