When it comes to your teeth, it can be a daily battle to keep them white. You never know what you're going to eat or drink that's going to add stains. It's next to impossible to eliminate everything that stains your teeth. That's where professional cleaning treatments come in handy. They're an effective way to get rid of the stains that can get between you and your teeth. Here are four steps that will make your professional whitening treatments more effective.

Take Care of the Daily Routine

If you want to make sure you get the most out of your whitening treatments, you've got to take care of the daily routine. It's not enough that you go in for whitening treatments every few months. You've also got to keep your teeth clean between treatments. The best way to do that is to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day using an over-the-counter whitening toothpaste. Your dentist can help you choose the best one for your specific needs. This step is particularly important if you smoke cigarettes or drink coffee on a regular basis. The whitening toothpaste can help control the stains between professional cleaning sessions.

Don't Wait too Long Between Appointments

When it comes to keeping your teeth white, you shouldn't wait too long between appointments. Waiting too long to have your teeth professionally whitened can allow the stains to get set into the enamel. When that happens, the stains can be more difficult to get rid of. Instead, set up an appointment schedule that will help keep the stains under control. If you're not sure how often you should be having your teeth professionally whitened, be sure to talk to your dentist. They can help you arrange a treatment schedule that will best suit your needs.

Watch What You Eat Right After Your Session

Once you have your teeth whitened, you'll want to watch what you eat for the first few hours. You don't want to head out and immediately add stains to your freshly-whitened teeth. Waiting at least a few hours will ensure that you don't stain the enamel, especially after a bleaching treatment when the enamel is susceptible to damage.

Add Some Natural Stain-Fighters to Your Daily Diet

If you want to make sure that your teeth stay as white as possible between treatments, you need to add some natural stain-fighters to your daily diet. Start packing some fresh vegetables such as carrot sticks and celery. Eating raw carrots and celery throughout the day can help keep stains off your teeth. Not only that, but it can also control plaque buildup.

For more information on teeth whitening, contact your local dental office.