Have you ever had a teeth whitening treatment, either in office or over-the-counter, and found that a few months or years down the line your teeth didn’t look quite so white anymore? This is a common occurrence, because there are many foods, beverages, and behaviors that can dull teeth’s color over time—and genetics play a role as well. Our skilled dentist, Dr. Arash Azarbal, explains that the effects of teeth whitening typically last about six months, but they can last longer (or shorter) depending on your oral care habits. If you’ve got a special event coming up (wedding, anniversary, birthday) and you haven’t whitened your teeth in a while, it may be time to freshen up your smile.
There are many foods and drinks that can stain teeth, but some of the worst offenders are coffee, tea, soda, wine, and berries. While teeth whitening isn’t intended to be permanent, you may be able to extend the length of results by avoiding these problematic provisions as much as possible. If you must have these items (and we understand if you cannot give up your morning coffee), try to use a straw when drinking or to brush your teeth soon after a meal. It’s also important to note, using tobacco products (smoking or chewing them) can discolor teeth very quickly. It’s just another reason to try and kick the habit if you can.
Maintaining the beauty of your smile can be accomplished many ways. For more information on teeth whitening, we encourage you to reach out and speak with our friendly and knowledgeable team.