Tips to Extend your Teeth Whitening Results

The good news is that the teeth can be restored to a brilliant white color through teeth whitening, using techniques that are both safe for the teeth and (in some cases) incredibly fast: one technique, called Phillips Zoom WhiteSpeed, can produce dramatic results in 45 minutes.

Of course, now that the teeth have had that glistening white color restored, it will become important to keep them that way as long as possible. How can this be done?

Changes in diet: acidic foods and drinks

One of the reasons teeth lose their whiteness over time comes from the thinning of the enamel, the hard outer surface of teeth that is naturally white. The tissue underneath, dentin, is actually more of a yellow color, and as the enamel thins, it allows the dentin to show through. Acid is produced in the mouth by bacteria, which can lead to yellowing; furthermore, certain foods and beverages are more acidic than others, hastening the process:

• Soy sauces and vinegars
• Dark, cola-style soft drinks
• Red wine
• Tomato sauces

Of course, tooth whitening does not mean one should abstain from these foods entirely. An effective way to retain tooth whiteness when eating these things is to rinse the mouth after consuming them, either with mouthwash or even just water, which can neutralize the acid.

Changes in diet: dyes in food and drink

The enamel of a tooth feels smooth to the touch. However, it actually has very tiny pores, and these pores can catch very small particles which can discolor the teeth.

Foods and drinks widely known for these properties include:

Ÿ    dark vegetables and fruits, including certain kinds of berries

Ÿ    Tea and coffee

Coffee and tea are both well-known for their tendency to stain teeth. This is because both contain compounds called tannins, which are chemicals that are natural dyes; in fact, they are used industrially to produce grey, yellow, and brown colors. Tannin particles can get stuck in the pores of the enamel, and over time a yellowing in teeth can occur.

Furthermore, any sort of sugar or flavoring made with sugar or high fructose corn syrup (which acts like sugar in the mouth) can lead to acid buildup.

Ÿ   brightly colored candies, juices, and slushes

Not only are these often quite sugary (which leads to acid), but they also have dyes that might stain the enamel.

Rinsing the mouth after these, in addition to using a straw for coffee, tea and juices, can produce even better results. This will reduce the tooth area that comes into contact with the potentially staining liquids.

Changes in diet: raw fruits and vegetables

Certain foods can help maintain white teeth. These include celery, broccoli, and cauliflower, which – when eaten raw – stimulate saliva (which neutralizes mouth acids) and scrub the teeth during chewing (acting as natural toothbrushes). Likewise, strawberries contain malic acid, which acts as a bleaching agent; apples do, too (though both require rinsing the mouth afterward for maximum effect). Finally, pineapples contain bromelain, which is a natural tooth whitener, though eating pineapple is best followed with a quick rinse, too.

Water breaks

Water plays a significant role in helping teeth stay white. It helps get rid of acids that can wear on the enamel. And tap water is fluoridated, which helps ions found in saliva to rebuild enamel and keep the teeth white.

Quitting tobacco

Among many other reasons to quit tobacco, one is to avoid the staining effect on teeth. Tobacco stains the teeth first and foremost because of nicotine, a substance that turns yellow in the presence of oxygen and can easily get into the pores of enamel. All tobacco products contain this, and they likewise all contain tar, a naturally dark and sticky substance that also gets into the pores of enamel.

To preserve a white smile, tobacco should be discontinued.

Oral hygiene

Attention to dental hygiene – regular brushing and flossing, and strict adherence to regular checkups – is also an excellent way to keep teeth and gums healthy and extend the results of teeth whitening.

The dentists at Exceptional Dentistry are experts in all matters involving teeth and offer a number of whitening services, including at-home applications, 30-minute in-office treatments, and the Zoom Whitespeed treatment that can dramatically whiten the smile in just 45 minutes. With offices in Jeffersonville, Shepherdsville, and Louisville, Exceptional Dentistry proudly serves the greater Louisville area. To make an appointment, call (888) 918-3336.