Pearly white teeth are a sign of good health and a radiant smile, but they require work to maintain a healthy appearance. Do you know how often to get white teeth and what to do to keep your pearly whites looking their best? Here are answers to all of your pressing teeth maintenance questions.

How Often to Whiten the Teeth

When it comes to teeth whitening, it’s generally not a one-and-done kind of situation. Most people need to whiten their teeth every few months. Teeth need upkeep just like the rest of the body! They must be whitened every few months to keep them looking their best!

Generally, teeth whitening services are administered about once every quarter or every three months for patients who haven’t noticed much difference in their smiles yet.

People who have undergone tooth whitening sometimes go to the dentist to see if there are any problems that the whitening could not see. For example, cavities or other damage, like discoloration, can be harder to notice in teeth that have been whitened. The dentist can also touch up the whitening to give the patient an even brighter smile.

People who have had tooth whitening should visit their dentist regularly for a cleaning, which is the best way to ensure that they will not only have a beautiful smile but a healthy one.

How to Keep Your Teeth White

You can have your teeth whitened at the dentist’s every three months. To keep your teeth looking that way between treatments, you can follow a few best practices to ensure you’re keeping up with your whitening treatment.

1. Avoid Food and Drinks That Stain

Plenty of foods and drinks can stain your teeth, even if they aren’t necessarily bad for you. You don’t have to avoid them altogether, but limit your intake in moderation and be sure to drink plenty of water as you eat or drink them.

These foods include coffee, red wine, berries, marinara sauce, and some teas. While they are okay as part of a balanced diet, it’s important to rinse well afterward and not overindulge. Coffee is especially damaging to your teeth, so be careful!

2. Don’t Smoke

Smoking is devastating to the health of your teeth and mouth. Regular smokers also face a risk of yellowing their teeth, which will undo any improvements that were made by previous whitening procedures. It’s never been easier to quit smoking than it is right now. If you are trying to protect your pearly whites, now is the best time to make a change.

3. Brush After Every Meal

Even if you’re careful about your diet, some foods and drinks will stain your mouth whether or not you want them to. Some foods are healthy, while others are not, but they’re all ordinary. If you brush regularly, you’ll keep your mouth feeling fresh, and you’ll also avoid staining your teeth. 

Keep an extra toothbrush and floss in your bag if you aren’t near home. You can also use mouthwash if you don’t have any toothpaste. Brushing your teeth will keep them healthy while you are away and hopefully make you smile when you return.

Conclusion

Tooth whitening can be done multiple times a year, but it can also be done every three months. Be sure to brush after eating to keep your teeth from staining. The best way to keep your teeth looking their whitest is by keeping them healthy. Brush after meals, and visit the dentist for regular cleanings.

Receive top-quality dental care for the entire family. Pike District Smiles offers comprehensive dental checkups, kid’s dentistry, root canals, periodontal care, dental implants, Invisalign, etc. We make every effort to accommodate patients needing teeth whitening services in Rockville. Whether you or your child has experienced a dental emergency, call us or stop by, and we’ll do our best to see you as soon as possible!