Immediately after an appointment for professional teeth whitening, you have an absolute radiant smile, but that bright smile doesn’t seem to last long. It seems like every day after your whitening appointment your bright, white smile starts to fade. This causes many patients to ask us, how can I maintain my white smile after a whitening?
We will help you uncover the secrets how to keep your pearly whites white after a whitening treatment.
Work to Keep Your Teeth Healthy
Many people automatically assume that because their teeth are bright and white, they don’t have to brush or floss as often. That is the worst thing you could do.
Failure to brush and floss as recommended not only jeopardizes your oral health, but it quickly fades the whitening effects from your recent whitening treatment. If you want to prolong how long your teeth look white and bright, make sure you brush and floss on a regular basis.
You should be brushing at least three times a day. Brushing this often will help you remove any surface stains and plaque that builds up throughout the day. Plaque, when left to build up in the mouth, can start to create discolored deposits throughout the teeth that will ruin your white smile.
In addition to brushing, you should be flossing. You only need to floss once a day, but make sure when you floss that you are completely flossing and not just doing a quick ‘once over’. Proper flossing involves getting in between each and every tooth, scraping the sides, and even slightly under the gum.
Avoid Food and Drinks That can Stain Your Teeth
There are certain foods and drinks that can stain your teeth. Even if you immediately brush your teeth after consuming these things, it can still discolor your teeth. Over time, no matter how much you brush, floss, or even try at-home whitening treatments, your teeth will appear stained and discolored.
If you wish to keep your teeth white after a professional teeth whitening treatment, it is best to avoid any foods or drinks that can stain.
Some foods and drinks to stay away from include:
- Tea
- Coffee
- Wines especially red wine
- Soy sauce or foods made with a sauce that has a soy sauce base
- Curry
- Sodas
- Tomatoes
- Citrus fruits
- Blackberries
- Pomegranates
- Blueberries
If you do want to consume these items, it is best that you do so safely. For example, if you wish to drink tea, soda, or coffee after a professional teeth whitening do so with a straw. This will reduce the amount of contact these beverages have with your teeth which will help prevent staining.
Another great recommendation is to brush your teeth immediately. Even if it won’t completely eliminate any stains, it can dramatically decrease the amount of discoloration you experience. The less time the food and beverage has to sit on your teeth, the less staining you will experience.
Keep Regularly Scheduled Professional Cleanings with Your Dentist
It is important that you keep your regularly scheduled professional cleanings with your dentist, even if you had a professional whitening treatment. Professional cleanings can remove built up plaque that has accumulated between your teeth. The plaque built up because your toothbrush and floss can’t reach every tiny nook and space in your mouth. The professional cleaning will clean these hard-to-reach places for you.
Use Toothpaste and Other Products Recommended by Your Dentist
Some toothpastes and mouthwashes may be able to help supplement your professional teeth whitening. These products won’t brighten and whiten your smile like the professional cleaning, but they will help you maintain your white smile until it is time for your next whitening treatment.
Before using just any toothpaste or mouthwash that says it has whitening benefits, it is best to ask your dentist which ones to use. Your dentist will be able to provide product recommendations that will help you maintain your white and bright smile.
Schedule an Appointment for a Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment
Get the smile you have always dreamed of by undergoing a professional teeth whitening treatment. Dr. Tiffany K. Shields offers safe, effective teeth whitening treatments that will get you a bright, white smile without damaging your teeth or using harmful chemicals. We also have begun providing SinSational Smile a tooth whitening treatment that can provide dramatic results in twenty minutes. Call today to learn more!
Contact our office today to schedule an appointment for a professional teeth whitening treatment.
