by Brenna Stone
Whether you get an in-office bleaching treatment or spend weeks whitening your teeth at home, you likely to put a lot of effort into your beautiful smile. You may wonder, "How can I keep my teeth white?" After spending time and money on tooth whitening, the last thing you want to see in the mirror is discoloration. Find out how to keep the bright, white color you have worked so hard for. Daily Care to Clean and Brighten Daily brushing and flossing will help to keep your mouth clean, healthy and stain-free. Brush after breakfast and before going to bed at the very minimum. For extra protection against those coffee stains and red wine pigments, brush with a toothpaste that will protect against yellowing, like Colgate Optic White Radiant. Unlike other whitening toothpastes, Radiant whitens teeth both inside and out. In addition, it removes deep set teeth stains below the tooth’s surface for a Radiant, whiter smile. You can also clean your teeth at any time during the day to help fight discoloration. Rinse with water after drinking coffee, tea, cola or red wine. Take your toothbrush and toothpaste with you to work or school to brush after meals. For efficient on-the-go whitening and cleaning, the Colgate Wisp is very helpful. These single-use, mini-toothbrushes can be carried with you anywhere to clean your teeth after meals or coffee; no rinsing water required! See Your Dentist Aside from regular daily care, what more can I do to keep my teeth white? Visit your dentist's office for regular checkups. Your dentist or dental hygienist can polish away surface stains when she cleans your teeth. The abrasive action of a professional cleaning is an effective tool for fighting discoloration without having to bleach your teeth again. With excellent brushing habits and professional cleanings, you can maintain your bright smile. Still, stains can return over time, even without habits like coffee drinking and smoking. If you are unhappy with the color of your teeth, talk to your dentist. To keep your teeth white in the long-term, ask him about making a custom tray for you so you can bleach at home. Then, when your teeth start to yellow again from eating and drinking, you can use your fitted mouthpiece and whitening gel to return your teeth to the color you want. Be sure to talk to your dentist before whitening and only use bleaching products that have the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance or were given to you by your dentist.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.