Whether you already have white teeth or you've just completed a teeth whitening treatment, keep in mind that you've still got some work to do when it comes to preserving that beautiful, sparkling smile. In the same way that you might avoid driving through mud puddles after washing your car, you also need to be thoughtful about how you treat your teeth if you want them to remain white. Read on for some helpful tips on how to keep teeth white and some of the best products to try for home teeth whitening.
Maintain White Teeth: Your Comprehensive Guide
Minimise staining liquids
If you reach for a mug of coffee every morning and a cold glass of cola each afternoon, you may notice your teeth losing their bright appearance. Coffee, tea, cola and red wine are some of the common liquids that stain teeth. If you're serious about having whiter teeth, try to cut back on these beverages.
- TIP: Use a straw. If you can't live without these drinks, try sipping them through a straw, particularly in the first few days after a teeth whitening treatment. Sipping through a straw reduces the amount of liquid that comes into contact with your teeth. You can even buy a set of reusable straws so you can keep them handy wherever you might need them.
Eliminate tobacco
Eliminating stain-causing tobacco isn't just good for tooth whitening. There are many adverse oral risks associated with tobacco use, including gum disease, oral cancer, dulled tasting abilities and slower healing after certain dental procedures. Removing tobacco use from your routine can lead to drastic improvements in the appearance of your teeth as well as for your overall dental health.
Try a whitening toothpaste
If you’re wondering how to whiten teeth at home, using a whitening toothpaste is an excellent solution. A good whitening toothpaste can help to remove any surface stains that may have accumulated throughout the day. Some even use hydrogen peroxide to give your teeth a deeper clean. It's a simple step, but it can provide your teeth with a twice-daily whitening refresher, which can give you many more reasons to smile.
Simply brush your teeth in the morning and the evening with a whitening toothpaste that will work to keep your teeth bright and white. For example, Colgate Max White Ultimate Radiance Toothpaste is our most advanced whitening toothpaste yet. We’ve developed this enamel-safe toothpaste to reverse up to 15 years of deep-set stains caused by food and drink with just 4 weeks of continued use!
We offer a wide range of Colgate products that are perfect for home teeth whitening. From whitening mouthwash to our LED kit, there are lots of affordable options to use alongside your whitening toothpaste. Read on for more details on these products:
Max White Expert Mouthwash
Maximise the tooth whitening effects of our Ultimate Radiance Toothpaste by rinsing your mouth using our Colgate Max White Expert Whitening Mouthwash. This mouthwash instantly* whitens your teeth and gives you a lasting, whiter smile.** It also creates a protective shield to help prevent stains from sticking to your teeth.** It’s one of the easiest ways to give your teeth a quick boost of whiteness!
Overnight Whitening Pen
Our Max White Overnight Whitening pen uses a whitening serum that can reverse up to 15 years of stains caused by food and drink. Simply paint the serum onto your teeth and let it dry, leave on your teeth overnight and brush in the morning as normal. With just 3 weeks of continued use, you should notice whiter teeth as a result!
LED Whitening Kit
Our Colgate LED Whitening Kit is another great at-home choice. Again, it comes with an easy-to-use whitening pen with a serum that you can apply directly to each tooth. Then, insert the ComfortFit applicator into your mouth – the LED light is controlled by your smartphone and will activate the whitening serum for a quick whitening treatment that only takes 10 minutes! Repeat twice a day for 2 weeks for brighter, whiter teeth.
Drink water between beverages that stain
Enjoy potentially staining beverages in moderation and drink water between each. Water is good for your overall health and will also help wash away dark liquids from the surfaces of your teeth. Try alternating a sip of coffee, tea or hot chocolate with a drink of water. As a bonus, your flavoured beverage will last longer.
Brush your teeth after
The longer the liquid sits on your teeth, the more intense the staining will be. Carry a toothbrush and toothpaste with you so you can freshen up after your coffee break. However, you must wait at least 30 minutes to brush your teeth after drinking any acidic drink like coffee. If you brush too soon, you may end up spreading the acidity around your teeth instead of cleaning it off.
Keep up your daily oral care routine
The best way to protect against stained teeth is a proper oral care routine. Since plaque attracts staining substances, reducing plaque in general will reduce overall discolouration. Brushing twice daily will help to keep your mouth clean, healthy and stain-free. Make sure you are flossing once a day as well, or you might end up with stains around the surfaces of your teeth even if you brush regularly.
See your dentist for regular cleanings
Many people wonder how to keep teeth white aside from regular daily care. What more can you do? Visit your dental practice for regular check-ups at least twice a year. Your dentist or dental hygienist can polish away surface stains during the cleaning of your teeth. The abrasive action from professional cleaning is a useful tool for fighting discolouration without having to bleach your teeth again.
With excellent brushing habits and professional cleanings, you can maintain a bright smile. Still, stains can return over time, even without habits like coffee, drinking and smoking. Be sure to talk to your dentist before tooth whitening at home and only use bleaching products recommended or given to you by your dentist.
*Temporary optical effect of instant whitening.
**Protection from surface stains, with continued use.
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This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
