6 Expert-Approved Tips for Maintaining Your White Smile

Congratulations on brightening your smile with Zoom teeth whitening in Chicago, Illinois! We bet you can’t get enough of looking in the mirror to enjoy your bright, white smile. To help you maintain that radiant smile and keep it glowing long after your treatment, here are some expert tips from A Brush Above Family Dentistry:

1. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene

The foundation of a long-lasting white smile is a consistent oral hygiene routine. Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice daily, and don’t forget to floss. Plaque and stains can build up quickly if you skip these steps, diminishing the brilliance of your whitened teeth. Consider using a whitening toothpaste as a maintenance step, but ensure it’s gentle enough to avoid wearing down your enamel.

2. Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks

While healthy foods are good for your teeth, certain foods and beverages are notorious for staining teeth. Dark-colored items like coffee, tea, red wine, soda, and berries can dull your smile over time. If you can’t resist, try drinking beverages through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth. Also, avoid sipping coffee or wine throughout the day. Instead, dedicate about 30 minutes and be done with your drink. 

Rinse your mouth with water afterward. Brushing is even better, but do it 30 minutes after enjoying your favorite meal or drink. Brushing immediately can push acids or stains deeper into the softened enamel. 

3. Quit Tobacco Use

Tobacco products could be the reason your teeth were stained in the first place. Tobacco contains tar, a dark, sticky substance. When you smoke or chew tobacco, the tar adheres to your teeth, leaving a yellow or brownish residue that stains the enamel over time. Tobacco also contains nicotine, which is colorless but turns yellow when exposed to oxygen.

If you’ve been thinking about quitting tobacco, now’s a perfect time—not just for your teeth but for your overall health.

4. Use Touch-Up Treatments as Needed

Your dentist will give you at-home Zoom teeth whitening trays to maintain your results at home. These custom trays allow you to freshen up your smile whenever it starts to fade. Use your at-home whitening trays every six months or as your dentist directs. 

5. Don’t Forget Dental Cleanings

Professional cleanings at our office are essential for keeping your teeth stain-free. These cleanings remove surface stains, plaque, and tartar buildup that regular brushing can’t tackle. Regular visits also allow the dentist to check the health of your teeth and gums. We can detect and treat decay, gum disease, and other issues compromising your white smile. 

6. Stay Hydrated

Drinking water has several benefits for your smile. Water washes away food particles and reduces the risk of stain buildup. Keeping your mouth hydrated also prevents a dry mouth (xerostomia) that increases the risk of decay and gum disease. Swishing water after meals or sipping throughout the day can help protect your white smile.

Teeth whitening isn’t permanent. However, following the above tips can ensure you enjoy your radiant smile year after year. 

Ready for teeth whitening near Chicago?

Unhappy with your tobacco or coffee-stained teeth? Reveal your brightest smile today! Experience safe, fast, and effective teeth whitening at A Brush Above Family Dentistry—call (773) 840-0378 to book your appointment. Keep smiling brightly, Chicago!

Dr. Marcella Guzman

Dr. Marcella Guzman is an admired dental professional renowned for her unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care, with a rich background in biology and sociology. Since graduating from The University of Illinois Dental School in 1994, she has enhanced her skills through extensive continuing education, specializing in cutting-edge technologies such as Cerec 3-D, sleep apnea, Invisalign, and laser dentistry. Her dedication to staying up-to-date on the latest advancements ensures that her patients receive top-notch care. A distinguished member of The American Dental Association and Chicago Dental Society, Dr. Guzman's wealth of experience, coupled with her compassionate approach, establishes her as a trusted specialist in the field of dentistry.   

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