After teeth whitening, your teeth can quickly become stained again if you do not take some basic steps to maintain the results. Consuming staining foods and drinks, and tobacco use, all contribute to the discoloration of your teeth, so you will want to minimize these activities, but a few changes in your habits can help you extend the results without having to give up staining substances entirely.
Staining Foods and Beverages
You probably know the most obvious culprits, such as red wine, but there are some less obvious foods that can stain your teeth, too. Examples of staining foods and beverages include:
- Red wine
- Dark berries and fruit, such as blueberries, blackberries, cherries, and pomegranate
- Fruit juice
- Smoothies
- Tomato sauce
- Curry, and other sauces containing turmeric
- Soy, tamari, and teriyaki sauce
- Chocolate
- Beets
- Potatoes
- Coffee
- Tea
- Soda
- Sports drinks
- Colored candies
Keeping Your Teeth White without a Deprivation Diet
Some of the substances that are staining are also very healthy, and you don’t want to trash your diet or give up your favorite foods and beverages just to keep your teeth white. Be mindful of what you are putting in your mouth and act accordingly. Here are some tips that can help you get away with indulging:
- Use a straw when drinking staining beverages, to help bypass the front surfaces of your teeth
- Brush immediately after consuming staining substances
- When you can’t brush right away, at least rinse your mouth out
- Use a whitening toothpaste
- Touch-up your results periodically with a professional take-home kit from the dentists at the Center for Contemporary Dentistry.