Having a bright and radiant smile indeed helps a lot in building one’s confidence. Teeth whitening is considered one of the most powerful treatments for achieving the radiant, sparkling smile you have always wanted. The process, however, does not simply end at the cosmetic dentist’s clinic. To maintain that sparkling smile you had after the whitening treatment, proper post-treatment care is essential.
It is not as hard as you think to keep that beautiful, white glow. With just a few easy habits and lifestyle changes, you can keep your whitening results as long as possible. In this blog, you will learn about the various ways to keep your smile bright after professional teeth whitening treatment.
The Best Ways to Maintain Teeth Whitening Results
To be able to sustain the brilliance of the color of your teeth after you have undergone whitening, it is very important that you take good care of them. There are several ways to do this.
Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks
Your teeth will be more porous after the procedure of teeth whitening in Hagerstown, MD. This means they will be more prone to stains in the first few days. If you want to maintain that bright smile, you must watch out for foods that could easily stain your teeth.
1. Avoid Coffee and Tea:
While a cup of coffee is an essential morning beverage to start our day, for some, it can lead to tooth discoloration, especially after a teeth-whitening treatment. However, if a morning cup of coffee is just what you cannot avoid, you may consider using a straw to prevent it from coming in contact with your teeth. Tea can also cause tooth discoloration due to its colorant pigments.
2. Limit Red Wine and Dark Berries:
Red wine and dark berries like blackberries, blueberries, and cherries can all stain your teeth. While they are very good to eat, they will eventually cause your teeth to lose their color faster. Try to stick with lighter-colored food and drinks whenever possible.
3. Steer Clear of Acidic Foods:
Citrus fruits, including oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, contain an acidic nature that can gradually wear away your enamel, causing stains. When you face erosion of your enamel, you may observe stains on your teeth. Avoid consuming citrus fruits for a couple of days after your teeth-whitening treatment.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Although it is important to avoid staining foods, it is equally important to practice good oral hygiene to maintain your white smile. By brushing your teeth regularly and keeping your mouth clean, you prevent plaque formation that might eventually dull your teeth.
1. Brush Twice a Day:
It’s very important to brush your teeth at least twice a day, and when you do, use a fluoride toothpaste. After you have undergone the process, you may want to consider a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, as your teeth may be sensitive for a couple of days after treatment.
2. Floss Daily
Flossing will help remove food and plaque accumulations between your teeth. In addition, flossing also keeps your teeth free from tartar. This will prevent your teeth from appearing dull. It is important to floss your teeth at least once a day.
3. Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash helps keep your mouth fresh and eliminates any remaining bacteria. Be careful when purchasing a whitening mouthwash, as it may irritate your mouth if used too often after a whitening procedure. It is best to use a fluoride mouthwash.
Drink Plenty of Water
Water should always be your best friend when you want to maintain a bright, lovely smile. It not only helps you clean your teeth and remove food particles, but also ensures your mouth stays well hydrated and flushes out harmful bacteria. It is therefore important that you drink water to help you maintain your teeth’s whiteness.
1. Drink water after meals:
If you have consumed any food or beverage that could stain your teeth, you can rinse your mouth with water. This is especially true after a meal with a curry or a tomato-based sauce.
2. Drink Water Between Meals:
If you feel like you’re craving something sweet, drink water instead. Drinking water will help rinse your mouth and prevent stains. It will also benefit your overall health.
Be Cautious with Teeth-Sensitive Products
After your teeth whitening procedure, rest assured that your teeth may have become exceptionally sensitive. Using rough toothpaste and whiteners can further aggravate sensitivity. It is always best to use toothpaste and other whiteners that are gentle on teeth.
1. Choose Sensitivity-Friendly
Try using toothpaste meant for sensitive teeth. This type of toothpaste is easier on your teeth and may help keep your enamel healthy while still keeping your teeth clean and bright.
2. Avoid Abrasive Whitening Toothpastes
Whitening toothpaste, while it may look like a good option to finish up your treatment, could be too harsh on your teeth. They could wear down your enamel, making you more prone to stains. Choose gentle toothpastes that effectively clean without damaging your teeth.
Consider Touch-Up Treatments
Although caring for your teeth at home contributes to long-lasting results, it should be noted that dental whitening treatments are not permanent. Your teeth will eventually lose their whiteness. At such a stage, you could consider a touch-up.
1. Whitening Pens or At-Home Kits:
You may choose to use these pens or home kits to give your teeth a quick touch-up treatment. These can extend the life of your professional dental whitening treatment. Nevertheless, it is highly recommended that you visit your cosmetic dentist and discuss your use of these products to prevent overuse.
2. Schedule Professional Touch-Ups
If the teeth have become dull, you should seek the services of a cosmetic dentist, who will touch up the teeth as soon as possible. This will ensure the teeth always look their best.
Keep Your Smile Radiant
To maintain your brilliant smile after teeth whitening, you only need to follow a few easy steps: avoid staining foods, brush and floss regularly, drink plenty of water, and use the right tooth products.
We at Hagerstown Family Dental are devoted to helping you obtain the radiant smile you have always desired. If you are ready for a touch-up or need personalized tips to keep your teeth bright, call us today to schedule an appointment! A little effort will take you a long way in making sure your smile stays vibrant and confident for months to come.
Questions People Ask About Teeth Whitening
1. How long will my teeth stay white after a whitening treatment?
The effects of professional whitening can last from 6 months to 2 years. Maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding staining foods will help your results last longer.
2. Can I use whitening toothpaste after my treatment?
It’s best to avoid whitening toothpaste immediately after your treatment, as it can irritate your gums. Instead, opt for a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth to protect your enamel.
3. Is there any food I should avoid after a teeth whitening treatment?
For the first 48 hours, avoid coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries, as they can stain your teeth when your enamel is more porous. Limiting acidic foods is also a good idea.
4. How often should I schedule whitening touch-ups?
Whitening touch-ups can be done every six months to a year, depending on your oral care habits and lifestyle. Regular visits to your cosmetic dentist will help you maintain your results.
5. Will drinking water help preserve my teeth’s whiteness?
Yes, drinking water throughout the day can help rinse away food particles and reduce staining. It’s especially important after meals or beverages that could contribute to discoloration.