If you recently received a professional teeth whitening treatment at your dentist's office, you likely feel more self-confident about your smile. However, if you want to maintain your results for a long time, you may need to change some of your current habits.

Here are some useful tips for maintaining teeth whitening results.

Limit Teeth-Staining Foods and Beverages

Dark-colored foods and beverages can stain your teeth over time. If you want to maintain your teeth whitening results for a while, you should try to limit your consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, pasta sauce, and other stain-causing foods and drinks. If you do want to consume these items on occasion, you should rinse your mouth out with water afterward.

Eat Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables

A simple way to maintain a bright smile is to increase your consumption of crunchy fruits and veggies. Foods like carrots, apples, and celery have a crispy texture, so they can scrape stains right off your teeth. 

Stop Smoking

If you smoke tobacco, now may be the right time to quit. Smoking is bad for many parts of your body, including your teeth. Eventually, tobacco can stain your teeth and put you back in the same spot you were before. If you are having difficulty quitting on your own, do not hesitate to ask your doctor for advice.

Switch to a Whitening Toothpaste

Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential to prolonging your whitening results. It is also wise to use teeth whitening toothpaste from now on. This toothpaste contains a bleaching agent that removes surface stains from your teeth. 

Use a Straw

If you do not want to completely give up teeth-staining beverages, such as coffee or soda, you should drink them through a straw. A straw will limit the amount of liquid your teeth come in contact with, ultimately reducing stains.

Schedule Regular Cleanings

Scheduling regular checkups with your dentist will not just reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. Visiting your dentist twice a year for cleanings can also help you maintain a white smile. During the checkup, a dental hygienist will polish away surface stains, giving the appearance of whiter teeth. 

Maintaining teeth whitening results will require some work, but it is well worth the effort. If you follow these helpful tips, you can keep your teeth white longer. If you have additional questions, do not hesitate to call your cosmetic dentist.