How to Keep Your Whitened Teeth White

Do you remember that moment your dentist in Calgary finished your professional teeth whitening? Your teeth were so much whiter and so much brighter, and it all happened so much faster and more comfortably than it would have with a DIY option from the grocery store. We know one of the first questions that popped through your mind. It’s one that is asked a lot about teeth whitening in Calgary. How can I keep my professionally whitened teeth this white? Here’s the answer.

Don’t rest on your laurels

The worst mistake you can make is to assume that — because your pearly whites are now as pearly and white as you ever imagined — you can cut back on your flossing and brushing routine. Now that your teeth have been professionally whitened, it is as important as ever to brush and floss regularly. Perhaps even more so, since slacking off on your oral care routines can rapidly dull the whitening effect your dentist achieved.

To maintain your newly whitened teeth and to preserve your general oral health, this is a good time to refresh best practices when it comes to brushing and flossing.

Brushing

You can remove surface stains and plaque that accumulate during the day by brushing your teeth at least three times every day. If you don’t, that accumulated plaque will produce deposits of discoloration that will degrade your newly whitened smile.

Flossing

Floss your teeth once a day, and don’t just go through the motions. Effective flossing that will preserve the health — and help preserve the whiteness — of your teeth means: flossing between every tooth; scraping the sides of every tooth; and reaching slightly below the gum line with your floss.

Avoid stains

Do you remember why you were so motivated to get your teeth professionally whitened in the first place? It probably had a lot to do with the accumulation of stains that made you feel self-conscious about your smile, or even like you had nothing to smile about. To preserve the whitening performed by your dentist in Calgary, avoid stain-causing behaviours, foods, and drinks. Here’s a Top Ten list of stain-producers to avoid:

●     Smoking

●     Coffee and tea

●     Red Wine

●     Soy sauce and soy sauce-based sauces

●     Curry

●     Sodas

●     Berries, especially blueberries and blackberries

●     Tomatoes

●     Citrus fruits

●     Pomegranates

If avoiding all those things all the time isn’t possible, then indulge smartly and really be on top of your oral hygiene routines. For example, drink staining beverages — if you must — with a straw. Whenever you consume anything on this Top Ten list, brush your teeth immediately afterwards.

Teeth whitening in Calgary is not a substitute for professional cleanings

Brushing and flossing are two key components of good oral hygiene. So is seeing your dentist every six months. Just as important, let your dentist in Calgary clean your teeth annually. Professional cleaning is not the same as professional whitening, but can preserve your whitening — and general oral health — by removing plaque and tartar build-up that not even the most careful flossing can reach.

Follow directions

Some toothpaste and mouthwash formulations are better than others for helping to maintain your newly whitened teeth. None of them will deliver the whitening results that your dental clinic in Calgary produced for you, but they can help you maintain your brighter smile. Since you’re going to be brushing your teeth anyway — at least three times daily — you may as well ask your dentist what they recommend to keep your teeth as white as possible.

Congratulations on your decision to get your teeth professionally whitened. To stay excited about your teeth whitening in Calgary in the weeks and months to come, follow these essential steps, including attending your next regular and cleaning appointments at a dentist near you.