Don’t Let Summer Fun Darken Your Whitened Smile

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Summer is finally upon us and it’s time to enjoy all the social activities that come with it! At Kootenai Family Dental, Dr. Alexis LaRose and our team have been helping patients in the Coeur d'Alene, Idaho area whiten their smiles with our in-office whitening treatment.

Known as LUMIBRITE™, this system combines a high-quality whitening gel with the Sapphire® Supreme Plasma Arc curing light to create a lasting, bright smile in less time than other whitening treatments. After your teeth have been whitened, you will need to care for them to them looking vibrant. Let’s look at what to watch out for when it comes to protecting your pearly whites.

— Beverage favorites that can darken your teeth include soda, coffee, wine, and tea. Fruit juices, such as cranberry or cherry can also stain your teeth. If you love these drinks, protect your smile by drinking through a straw and rinsing with water afterward.

— While tangy tomato sauces and savory soy sauce are the perfect finish for your dishes, they can also wreak havoc on your whitened teeth. Ditto, unfortunately, for your favorite curries and vinegars, such as balsamic vinegar. Tip: chew on crunchy fresh vegetables when you have these foods as this will help remove the staining factors of the sauce. Always take the time to rinse well with water and brush after eating.

— Fresh summer berries, while healthy and delicious, can also stain your teeth. Blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, and blackberries, you name it, can darken your teeth. A good strategy is to drinking water with them to dilute the staining factors. Brush and floss after consuming these to minimize their contact with the tooth enamel.

Maintaining your newly brightened smile isn’t impossible. Just be mindful of what you eat and drink, rinse well with water after consumption, and brush and floss daily. Follow up these daily habits with routine professional dental visits. Dr. Alexis LaRose at Kootenai Family Dental, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, looks forward to helping you enjoy the summer season. Call 208-664-8283 today for more information or to schedule your next appointment.