How to Keep Your Teeth White Between Whitening Appointments

Whether you’ve just had your teeth professionally whitened or are planning to, keeping that pearly white glow takes a bit of care. Everyday habits like your choice of food, how often you brush, and even your love of red wine can affect the colour of your teeth. The good news? With a few simple tweaks, you can stretch the results of your whitening treatment and keep your smile bright for longer.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical ways to maintain your white smile between dental appointments — no fuss, no jargon, just easy, effective tips.

Table of Contents

• Watch Out for Staining Foods and Drinks

• Rinse or Brush After Coffee, Wine or Curries

• Use Whitening Toothpaste in Moderation

• Stick to a Consistent Oral Hygiene Routine

• Don’t Skip Your Professional Dental Cleans

• Final Thoughts + Book Your Next Visit

Watch Out for Staining Foods and Drinks

Let’s be honest — most of us love our coffee or the occasional glass of Shiraz. But drinks like these, along with certain foods, can stain your teeth over time. Common culprits include:

• Red wine

• Coffee and black tea

• Tomato-based sauces

• Berries (like blueberries and blackberries)

• Soy sauce and balsamic vinegar

• Beetroot

This doesn’t mean you need to cut them out completely, but being aware of these “stainers” helps. Try to enjoy them in moderation and follow up with a quick rinse of water afterwards to reduce their impact.

Rinse or Brush After Coffee, Wine or Curries

One easy trick to reduce staining? Rinse your mouth with water right after eating or drinking something pigmented. This simple act helps wash away surface-level stain particles before they settle.

If you’re at home and it’s been at least 30 minutes since eating (to avoid brushing away softened enamel), giving your teeth a gentle brush is even better. Use a soft-bristled brush — ideally one your dentist recommends — to avoid wearing down enamel.

Use Whitening Toothpaste in Moderation

Whitening toothpaste can help lift surface stains, but it’s not something you should use all day, every day. Some are slightly abrasive and can irritate sensitive teeth if overused.

A good approach is to use a whitening toothpaste a few times a week, and a gentle, fluoride-based toothpaste the rest of the time. Your dentist at True Smiles Dental can recommend the best toothpaste for your needs — especially if you’re concerned about sensitivity or enamel protection.

Stick to a Consistent Oral Hygiene Routine

Daily brushing and flossing matter more than most people realise when it comes to keeping teeth white. Here’s the gold standard:

• Brush twice a day for two minutes

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric one

• Floss once daily to remove buildup between teeth

• Use a mouthwash (alcohol-free options are best for regular use)

It’s the simple stuff done consistently that makes the biggest difference over time.

Don’t Skip Your Professional Dental Cleans

Even with perfect at-home care, plaque and tartar can build up — and that can dull your smile. Regular professional cleans help remove surface stains, polish your enamel, and keep your gums healthy too.

At True Smiles Dental, our team recommends a check-up and clean every six months. Not only does it keep your teeth looking their best, but we can also catch any early signs of discolouration or enamel damage before it becomes noticeable.

Plus, if you’re due for your next teeth whitening treatment, our dentists can guide you on when to top up — safely and effectively.

Final Thoughts + Book Your Next Visit

Keeping your teeth white between appointments doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s about small, daily choices — and staying on top of your dental care routine. By being mindful of what you eat, rinsing when needed, and booking regular check-ups, you can keep your smile looking bright and fresh for longer.

Need a clean, check-up or whitening top-up?
Book an appointment with True Smiles Dental today — we’re here to help you smile with confidence.

About True Smiles Dental

Based in Australia, True Smiles Dental offers friendly, personalised care for all your dental needs — from cosmetic whitening and preventative cleans to full check-ups and more. We’re committed to helping you keep your smile bright, healthy, and happy.