Making a lasting impression with a bright, white smile is one of the best things that you can do. Following months of wearing a mask to cover your smile, it's once again time to put in a little time and money into getting those perfect, white teeth. 

Professional teeth whitening allows you to acquire the white and bright smile you've always wanted using the latest technologies. To ensure you achieve the look you want, your dentist will implement the most advanced and effective techniques. 

However, no teeth whitening procedure is permanent. The whiteness of your teeth will fade sooner than you expected if you fail to take care of them properly after your treatment.

Follow these steps to keep your beautiful, white smile for years to come:

Regularly Brush Your Teeth

Once your teeth are whitened, be sure to brush and floss them regularly. It is recommended that you brush and floss your teeth more than usual to look their best. It is also a good idea to brush your teeth immediately after eating to remove any stains accumulated on your teeth. 

Avoid Staining by Using Straws

Caffeine addicts may find it difficult to avoid coffee and tea, but using a straw to sip them may help. You can purchase metal straws that are cleanable and reusable for this purpose.

Quit Smoking

The effects of smoking can be quite damaging to your teeth. In general, it's bad for your health. It would make more sense to stop smoking altogether rather than whiten your teeth and then pick up the habit again.

Speak to your doctor if you are having difficulty quitting smoking or finding the process difficult. 

Avoid Stain-Causing Food Items 

Some foods and drinks can cause stains on your teeth. Even if you immediately brush your teeth after eating these things, they can still discolor your teeth. Here are a few foods and drinks to avoid: 

• Tea. 

• Coffee. 

• Wines. 

• Soy sauce.  

• Curry. 

• Sodas. 

• Tomatoes. 

• Citrus fruits. 

• Blackberries & Blueberries.

The best way to consume these products is to do so safely. Drinking tea, soda, or coffee after teeth whitening should be done with a straw. As a result, your teeth will have less contact with these beverages, preventing staining.

Avoid Stain-Causing Medicines or Drugs

Some medications and chemicals can discolor teeth. Among them are: 

• Blood pressure medicines and certain antihistamines. 

• Iron excess. 

• Fluoride excess. 

• Antibacterial mouthwashes with certain ingredients.

Make Regular Appointments With Your Dentist 

No matter how white your teeth are, it is still important to maintain regular cleanings with your dentist. You may have plaque in your mouth because your toothbrush and floss do not reach every narrow gap. A professional cleaning service can easily do this.  You should visit your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and checkup. 

Visit Robert A. Rees, DDS, at his office in La Jolla, California, to learn more about professional cleaning services. Call 858-454-6181 to schedule an appointment today.