Nothing fuels confidence like flashing a bright white smile when you enter a room, but it can be a struggle to maintain this vibrant shade for some. If you’re wondering how to keep teeth white either without whitening treatments or following a professional treatment, there are a few things you can try. 

The food you eat, your oral hygiene routine, and your ability to spend time and money on your teeth all contribute to a whiter smile. However, for many people, teeth whitening is the only way to achieve a genuinely bright smile as age wears away their tooth enamel. 

How to Keep Teeth White?

Whether you want to maintain your vibrant new smile after teeth whitening or if you have been blessed with naturally white and strong enamel, there are a few ways to prevent staining and discolouration on your teeth. Here’s how to keep teeth white whether you’re all-natural, or recently had a professional treatment: 

• Develop an excellent oral hygiene routine 

There is no substitution for brushing and flossing diligently. A thorough oral hygiene routine prevents the buildup of plaque on your teeth, making them appear yellow. Ideally, you should brush your teeth at least twice daily, and floss once. You can also try dentist-recommended whitening toothpaste or a paste that contains baking soda to lift stains from your teeth. 

• Limit consumption of beverages that stain

Everyone likes to start their morning with a cup of coffee or tea and relax with a glass of wine in the evening, but if you want to keep your teeth white, it’s best to kick these habits. Coffee, red wine and tea all contain tannins which cause colour compounds to adhere to your teeth. Over time, this results in a yellow hue. 

• Avoid sugar  

To keep your smile white, you’ll also need to kiss sugar goodbye. The same bacteria that eat sugar can cause your tooth enamel to erode. This means if you eat sugary foods, and the sugar stays on your teeth for hours afterwards, your enamel is wearing away, leaving exposed dentin, which appears yellow. 

• Stay hydrated

A dry mouth is detrimental to your oral health, which is why you should ensure you’re drinking enough water daily. Your mouth will have sufficient saliva to neutralise plaque acids that wear away at your teeth by staying hydrated. Chewing sugarless gum can also help trigger saliva if you struggle with a dry mouth.

• Clean your teeth immediately after eating

If you indulge in sugary snacks or a coffee once in a while, it’s a smart idea to brush your teeth immediately after. The faster you remove harmful bacteria from the mouth, the longer your tooth enamel will stay strong. 

• Choose calcium-rich foods 

Calcium is essential to a healthy, white smile because it strengthens your tooth enamel. By eating a diet rich in calcium, your white teeth stay white longer. Cheese, yoghurt, and dark leafy greens are just a few healthy options. 

• Seek touch-up treatments 

If you’ve had a professional teeth whitening treatment, you’ll need touch-ups periodically to keep your teeth white and prevent noticeable discolouration. Most people can get by with one yearly in-office whitening and more frequent touch-ups at home as needed. 

Should I Try a Whitening Treatment?

In our adult years, many of us struggle to figure out how to keep teeth white. The reality is that teeth whitening is one of the few options available as people grow older, because the outer layer of our tooth enamel, which is whiter, wears away as we age. Dentin, the underlying layer, appears more yellow and often prompts adults to look to whitening treatments as a solution. 

To be eligible for professional teeth whitening from a dentist, you must be at least 18 years old. Anyone with veneers or crowns should consult with their dentist about how a whitening procedure will impact them. Teeth whitening is intended for natural teeth, and while it shouldn’t affect the colour of your restorations, it might result in an unevenly toned smile. 

Teeth Whitening in Croydon 

At Dental Spot, we offer plenty of options for teeth whitening in the surgery or with a take-home kit. One of our dentists carefully assesses your teeth to determine if they’re healthy enough to proceed with a whitening treatment. We use top whitening brands including Opalescence, Poladay, and Colgate, to give you the most effective results possible. 

While in-chair whitening is quick, you may prefer to perform a whitening treatment yourself at home to accommodate a busy lifestyle. If you opt for an at-home whitening kit, you’ll receive custom whitening trays that will be filled with a less-intensive whitening gel. You can wear the trays at night or around your home during the day and see results in about two weeks. 

For more information on teeth whitening treatments in Croydon, Ashfield and Strathfield, and the surrounding areas, contact us today at (02) 9158 6115.