Nationwide, teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments, requested by nearly 90% of all dental patients. Not only can this procedure brighten your smile and restore your confidence in your appearance, it could even lead to better oral health outcomes in the long term. In addition, it’s possible to maximize the effectiveness of periodic whitening appointments through a few simple habits at home. Here’s what you can do to keep your smile gleaming.

How to Maintain a Whiter Smile

1. Avoid Tobacco

Smoking, chewing, or otherwise consuming tobacco is one of the leading causes of tooth discoloration. When chewed or smoked, the natural tar content in tobacco is released, and nicotine exposed to oxygen turns brown or yellow. In vaporous form, these substances penetrate the tiny pores in tooth enamel, later forming a persistent stain when they cool and harden inside the tooth’s surface.

Although periodic teeth whitening can mitigate the effects of tobacco use, the most effective way to avoid persistent staining is by quitting tobacco altogether. This can also significantly reduce your risk of various cancers, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses.

2. Maintain a Consistent Dental Hygiene Routine

One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your teeth white is by sticking to a regular, thorough dental care routine. In addition to brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes at a time, you can floss for a further two minutes to remove staining substances such as food particles, which can also lower your risk of gum disease and oral infections.

You may want to consider using an oscillating electric toothbrush, as these can lower the risk of gingivitis by 11% and decrease plaque by 21% after just three months of use. You can also use water picks to remove debris from between teeth and mouthwash to eliminate staining bacteria and freshen your breath.

3. Adopt a Healthy Diet

Many of the substances most commonly associated with staining can be found in the foods and beverages you consume every day. Tomatoes, for example, are highly acidic and contain pigments which can turn teeth yellow. Red wine and coffee are high in tannic acid, which has a similar effect. Other staining foods include many fruit juices, soy sauce, curry, and tea.

You don’t have to cut these out of your diet completely, but your teeth will be whiter if you limit your intake. You can also rinse your mouth with water after consuming them to wash away traces of staining substances.

If you’re interested in professional teeth whitening, make an appointment with the team at Anderson Dental Group in Mooresville, NC. These experienced dentists offer a full range of cosmetic dentistry treatments, including whitening and cleaning, as well as general and restorative dentistry services to keep your smile healthy and bright. Call the Mooresville location at (704) 663-3300 or their Salisbury office at (704) 636-3611 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their services.