When I had a badly decayed tooth extracted, I got a partial denture to fill in the gap. I didn't mind it at first, because I was just so happy to have my painful tooth out of my mouth. Over time, I began to get tired of taking it out at night. I asked my dentist if I was could get a dental implant, and he said that my gum disease did not make me a good candidate, but a fixed bridge may be a good option for me. I went with his suggestion, and I have no regrets. I love feeling like I have a real tooth again that I don't have to remove at night. I created this blog to remind other people with a missing tooth that they have many replacement options, and if one is not for you, then try another that may be right.
When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, one of the more popular procedures is teeth whitening. While there are many over-the-counter teeth-whitening products available in drug stores, if you're looking for the brightest smile possible in the shortest amount of time, it is a good idea to visit your dentist for a professional whitening treatment. But after making the investment to have your teeth whitened, it is important to maintain your bright smile if you want to keep it looking good. Use the following tips to keep your teeth as white as possible after a professional whitening treatment:
Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks
There are many foods and drinks that can discolor your teeth and cause staining-- if you want to keep your teeth bright after a whitening procedure, it is best to avoid these items. Common foods and drinks that can stain and make the teeth look dull in color include coffee, tea, red wine, dark sodas, marinara sauce, blueberries, soy sauce, and food or drinks that contain food coloring or dyes (such as candy, ice pops, or sports drinks).
Drink with a Straw
If you're a coffee lover or don't want to give up the occasional glass of soda, consider drinking your favorite beverages with a straw. When you use a straw, the liquid bypasses the surface of your front teeth, so they are much less likely to be exposed to compounds that can cause staining or discoloration.
Brush Teeth After Meals
One easy way to keep your teeth white after a whitening procedure is to regularly brush your teeth after meals and snacks. This will ensure that the surface of your teeth stays clean and no staining compounds have the opportunity to sit on the tooth enamel. If you don't have a toothbrush handy, rinsing your mouth with water after eating can also help remove residue from your teeth.
Use Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
Over-the-counter whitening products can be great resources for helping you maintain your new bright smile. There are numerous whitening toothpastes and whitening mouth rinses on the market, and they can help prevent discoloration and staining when used regularly. Since there is such a wide variety of products that promise to help whiten teeth, it can be difficult to determine which one is the best option-- it is a good idea to talk to your dentist after the whitening procedure to get her or her opinion about which products to use. Click here to learn more about cosmetic dentistry.
Share20 January 2016
