Teeth Whitening And At-Home Care: Keeping Your Smile Bright
You want a brighter smile. Okay. Teeth whitening is an easy way to get this. Depending on your needs, you have several different whitening options. There are at-home whiteners, such as whitening pastes, gels, strips, and trays. If you want to up the bright factor (and possibly save time), a dentist's office treatment is a professional option that can give you a celebrity-level smile. Whatever option you choose, caring for your newly bright smile is absolutely essential. What do you need to know about taking care of your whitened teeth?
Careful Brushing
Brushing your teeth is the first step to a healthy mouth. Whether you whiten your teeth or not, you should brush at least twice a day – for two minutes in the morning and for two minutes at night. If you eat foods that stain or drink red wine, tea, coffee, or another staining beverage, brush after you're done with your meal or snack. Using a whitening toothpaste will help to keep your teeth looking bright and may eliminate some of the staining caused by eating or drinking. Talk to your dentist about what type of toothpaste is best for you. Some 'whitening' toothpastes lift stains by using an abrasive. Ask your dentist if this type of paste is too rough for your whitened teeth before using it.
Cleaning with a Mouthwash
Mouthwash isn't a one-stop fix. You can't skip brushing and use it as a substitute. But, mouthwash can complement your teeth-whitening routine. Some mouthwashes have whitening properties, adding to your bright smile. Even though a whitening wash can improve the effect you're going for, a regular (in other words, non-whitening) wash will also help your mouth. These reduce plaque and get rid of the build-up that can dull your teeth. Follow your dentist's or the manufacturer's directions when using mouthwash.
Regular Checkups
You went to the pro to whiten your smile. Now you need to keep up the maintenance, both at home and in the office. Continue to keep all of your regularly scheduled dental appointments. Along with the whitening treatments, regular dental cleanings will help to keep your smile brighter. The hygienist is able to deeply clean your teeth in a way that you just can't do at home.
Whether you use strips, trays, paint-on gel, pastes, or a professional procedure, keeping your teeth white means constant care. Not only will brushing, using mouthwash, and getting regular checkups help to keep your teeth whiter, but these easy dental care activities also give you a healthy mouth. For additional information, contact a dental office like Carpenter Dental.
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