If you’ve been struggling to see changes with over-the-counter teeth whitening products, it’s time to call your dentist. They can provide take-home kits that include ultra-concentrated gels designed to minimize potential sensitivity and custom-fitted trays for optimal results from the comfort of your living room.
Typically, professional teeth whitening lasts anywhere from six months to three years, though it depends on how well you take care of your smile. There are plenty of colored foods that could easily darken your grin if you’re not careful. Keep reading to learn about three options you should avoid to maintain your recent cosmetic enhancement!
Common Culprit #1: Coffee
Many people rely on a cup of joe (or two) in the morning to get moving, but if you’ve recently had your smile lightened, you might want to abstain. This beany beverage contains tannins, naturally occurring chemical compounds found in many plants that give them a bitter taste. Unfortunately, they can cling to your enamel, leaving it looking more yellow or brown than white.
If you do not intend to limit your caffeine intake, brushing and flossing your teeth about 30 minutes before your first cup can help avoid additional discoloration. It clears any buildup or film on your pearly whites, so pigmented particles have less to cling to. Then, rinse it down with a glass of water to remove unwanted residue, mitigate potential acid damage, and freshen your breath.
Common Culprit #2: Tomatoes
Topical teeth whitening relies on concentrated bleaches to break apart years’ worth of stains from your enamel. However, this process sometimes causes tooth sensitivity if this outer layer is weakened. If you’re already feeling tender, it’s best to avoid highly acidic foods that could cause further damage, like tomatoes.
These red fruits disguised as vegetables have a pH value between 4.3 and 4.9, and anything less than 5.5 is considered harmful to your teeth. Not only that, but their deep color can penetrate the surface of your pearly whites to alter the tone, especially when pureed. Steering clear of tomatoes can keep your smile bright and healthy.
Common Culprit #3: Blueberries
Have you ever held a handful of blueberries only to realize your fingertips were stained purple afterward? This is because they contain chromogens, pigmented particles responsible for the plant’s color. Like tannins, these can cling to teeth, leaving them a murkier hue.
However, these small fruits are also packed with antioxidants and are considered a healthy superfood that provides many unique advantages. You can enjoy them in moderation and maintain the shade of your grin or blend them into a smoothie to mitigate their impact.
Now that you know some problematic foods to avoid, you can better maintain a bright, happy smile!
About the Practice
At Care 32 Dental of Fort Worth, you benefit from a team of dentists who offer a full array of services conveniently under one roof. They share 10+ years of combined experience helping people of all ages build and maintain beautiful grins. They combine an honest and caring approach with state-of-the-art technology to devise individualized treatment plans to meet your unique dental needs. Plus, they’re members of the American Dental Association and other prestigious organizations, so you know that you’re in good hands. You can request a dental cosmetic consultation on the website or call (817) 741-1300.