About Me

All About Implants

My teeth were starting to deteriorate, and I was running out of options to repair them. The dentist gave me a choice. I could wait until the bone loss was so bad that I would have to have my teeth removed and get dentures, or I could have them removed now and get dental implants. I opted for the implants. If you’re thinking of getting dental implants, you probably have a lot of questions. I love mine, but they took some getting used to. In this blog, I’m sharing my experience and all the information that I picked up throughout my implant experience. You can find out what the procedure entails, how to prepare for your implants, and how to care for them once they’re in.

Tags

Latest Posts

All About Implants

Tips For Maintaining Your Smile After A Whitening Treatment

by Alfredo Moore

Having your teeth whitened at the dentist is a safe way to get your teeth looking their lightest and brightest. Although the procedure is safe, it can leave your teeth slightly sensitive for a period of time, so your dentist may only perform the procedure once or twice yearly to avoid sensitivity issues. This means it is up to you to maintain the whitening results between appointments. The following tips can help.

Tip #1: Avoid drinks that stain

The good news is that most of the beverages that are bad for white teeth also aren't the healthiest options, so avoiding them is good for your teeth and health. Soda, acidic drinks like lemonade, tea, coffee, and red wine can all stain or darken your teeth. This is especially true if you drink them habitually. Instead, opt for sparkling water instead of soda or white wine instead of red to keep your smile bright.

Tip #2: Eat cautiously

Drinks aren't the only problem. Certain foods are also more likely to darken or discolor teeth. Avoid over-indulging on acidic foods, like tomatoes and red sauces. Also, foods that heavy in natural dyes, like beets, or unnatural dyes, like gelatin desserts, can also lead to discoloration.

Tip #3: Rinse regularly

You don't have to avoid your favorite food or drink completely, though. When you do partake, make a point of rinsing your mouth out thoroughly with water afterward. Don't brush right away, though, since this may just work the acids or discoloration compounds further into the enamel surface. Always wait a little while before brushing if you have eaten a staining food.

Tip #4: Skip the tobacco

Tobacco products, whether cigarettes, cigars, or chew, all lead to yellow or brown teeth. These can be one of the single quickest ways to undo your whitening results. If you just can't quit at this time, at least try switching to an electronic nicotine device instead of inhaling the smoke or chewing on the leaves, as these are less likely to cause discoloration.

Tip #5: Wear lipstick with care

Lipstick can also lead to yellowing. This is especially true if you wear bright red lipsticks, which often have a yellow or orange dye as a base that is difficult to remove. If you do wear lipsticks, apply it carefully so it doesn't become smudged on your teeth. If it does, rinse it off promptly to minimize staining.

For more help with maintaining your whitening, talk to your dentist.

Share