If you had your teeth professionally whitened, then you may love the transformation your smile has undergone. Oftentimes, results can be up to eight shades brighter than before, but you may want to wear that grin for as long as possible. A good way you can do this is by eating the right foods. Certain ones can preserve your look, so here is what you should know to protect your investment.
What Should I Eat to Keep My Teeth Bright and White?
There are plenty of foods that you might’ve been told to avoid, like dark-colored options, as they can lead to stains. But these are some that can keep your smile bright:
- Dairy, like cheese, milk, and yogurt, has plenty of calcium. This mineral can fortify your enamel and strengthen it, meaning plaque will be less likely to cause problems, like cavities. These can show up as noticeable spots.
- Strawberries have malic acid in them. This enzyme can be a natural way to whiten teeth.
- Apples, celery, and carrots are a few crunchy fruits and vegetables that increase saliva production. Eating them can scrub your teeth and wash away staining particles.
- Pineapples and oranges are similar to the above, but don’t leave them directly on your enamel. They are acidic, so you may inadvertently develop sensitivity by doing so.
What Else Can I Do to Preserve My Results?
Although adjusting your diet can be helpful in preventing discoloration after professional teeth whitening, you should also keep up with your oral hygiene routine. By brushing and flossing twice daily, you can remove plaque and bacteria on your grin. These hold onto staining particles, but cleaning them also lowers your risk of dental problems. If you are a smoker, then consider quitting, as this habit also causes a yellow tint.
Don’t forget to have visits with your dentist as well. By having checkups every six months, you’ll be able to make sure your oral health is in great shape and that there aren’t any issues underneath your aesthetic results. Better yet, you will also be able to get touch-ups to your results when you need them. That way, you are able to stretch your aesthetic look for longer and revel in the confidence that it gives you.
About the Practice
Dr. Joshua Thomas earned his dental degree from the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. He is dedicated to helping the Bettendorf community get the gorgeous smiles they dream of with reliable cosmetic dental treatments, like professional teeth whitening. By tailoring a plan to your specific goals, you can trust that you get the results you feel your best in. If you want to know how to protect your investment in your teeth, schedule an appointment or call our office at (563) 332-7734.