Now that you’ve had professional teeth whitening in Shrewsbury, MA, you’re probably wondering how long you’ll continue to enjoy the results. Dr. Todd Pizzi uses an example comparing professional teeth whitening to working with a personal trainer to lose weight. Foremost on your mind are results: Your dentist (or trainer) can deliver results more quickly and consistently than taking matters into your own hands. Even so, maintaining these results requires effort on your part, too. Weight loss isn’t sustainable if you simply revert to your old bad habits, just as your teeth won’t remain perfectly white if you partake in the same teeth-staining practices as before.

1. Beware “Colorful” Foods and Drinks

Just as eating junk food sabotages your weight-loss success, certain foods and beverages can sully your freshly whitened teeth. The effect isn’t immediate, says Dr. Messina, but it’s important to understand that repeated exposure to these substances can dampen the overall effect. The most common offenders include red wine, coffee, tea, cola, and dark berries.

2. Ditch the Tobacco Habit

If you smoke or chew tobacco regularly and have no intention of quitting, an investment in teeth whitening is something of a moot point. Few substances can stain teeth as badly and as quickly as cigarettes, cigars, and snuff. After many years of tobacco use, it is not unusual for teeth to be so dramatically stained as to resist even professional whitening treatment.

3. Don’t Neglect Your Oral Hygiene

Poor hygiene is a leading cause of yellowed teeth, but it doesn’t happen overnight. Forgetting to go to bed without brushing is one thing, but continued neglect is quite another. Brushing is essential to prevent yellow plaque from coating your teeth, a process that leaves the tooth enamel looking visibly dulled. In addition to professional teeth cleaning, you should brush your teeth twice each day using a toothbrush with soft bristles.

4. Avoid Acidity

Acid damages tooth enamel, which then makes it more likely to become stained. This could be acid from foods, or it could be caused by acid reflux. Medical conditions that cause vomiting can also expose teeth to stomach acid. After exposing your teeth to acid, do not brush them immediately afterward. Instead, wait 30 minutes. In the meantime, you can use water to rinse your mouth.

About Your Shrewsbury Dentist

To learn more about our services, or to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, contact our Shrewsbury, MA dentist office at (508) 842-8838. We welcome residents of Shrewsbury, Boylston, North and South Grafton, Milford, and the surrounding communities.