How to Save $264 a Year on Beauty Treatments
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How to make teeth whitening last
Expert: Dr. Jeff Golub-Evans, Director at the New York Center for Cosmetic DentistryHaving your teeth professionally whitened is an expensive procedure (costing around $500) so once done, you'll definitely want to maintain the effects with these tips:
Tip 1: Follow up your professional treatment with an at-home, over-the-counter whitening system. Ask your doctor how long to wait before using one, as different whitening systems have different requirements. Then choose one from this list of highly-rated whiteners.
Tip 2: Choose your food and drinks wisely. Avoid drinking dark liquids like coffee and tea and even using colored mouthwash as much as possible. If you must indulge in dark liquids/foods, drink with a straw and chase them with water. This will prevent the substance from penetrating the surface of your teeth. Also, eat crunchy foods (carrots, celery, lettuce, apples) that displace plaque and debris from the mouth.
Tip 3: If you’re on the go between brushings, swish water in your mouth for 30 seconds; this minor effort helps remove bacteria from your mouth, which helps ward off stains. And of course, brushing and flossing well before bedtime will help keep teeth whiter.
Tip 4: Wear berry-colored lipsticks with blue undertones and bronzers that look more brown than gold to make smiles appear whiter. Also, avoid orange and gold clothing; they can bring out yellowish tones in your teeth.
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