How to Maintain a Whiter Smile After Professional Teeth Whitening
When you make a change to yourself that you love, you want it to last. And one of those things that you want to make last as long as possible is a bright, white smile. Why wouldn’t you? A white smile makes you more approachable, not to mention more attractive to others.
In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to keep teeth white after professional teeth whitening. So, whether you choose cosmetic dentistry in our Boise office or take advantage of our take-home tooth whitening trays, we’ll help you keep that bright, white smile that you’ve grown to love.
Follow post-whitening instructions.
It may sound obvious, but the best way to keep your teeth white is to follow your dentist’s instructions after your teeth-whitening procedure.
Right after whitening, your teeth may be a little more sensitive than usual. This is normal and typically fades within a few days. Your teeth are also more likely to absorb stains during this short window, which is why dentists often recommend being mindful about what you eat and drink.
Particularly in the 48 hours after your teeth-whitening procedure, avoid anything acidic, including soda, pickles, and citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons. It is also wise to stay away from foods and drinks that can easily stain teeth, including:
- Coffee
- Red wine
- Fruit
- Fruit juices
- Beer
- Tea
- Soy sauce
- Cured meats
- Chocolate
- Curry powder
Choosing lighter-colored foods and drinks during this time can help maintain your newly whitened smile.
Adopt daily habits that support a whiter smile.
One of the best ways to keep your smile bright and white is to look at your behaviors. Yes, sometimes it can be hard to do this, but trust us. Often, changing just one or two things in your oral health approach can make a real difference.
Small daily habits often add up over time. When you stay consistent with your oral care routine, it becomes much easier to keep surface stains from building up and dulling your smile.
- Brush your teeth at least twice each day and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles.
- Maintain a consistent brushing and flossing routine to keep your smile looking fresh.
- Practice strong oral hygiene habits, since plaque and bacteria can contribute to stain buildup.
Be mindful of stain-causing foods and drinks.
We won’t beat around the bush on this next one. Unfortunately, some of the foods and beverages that we love the most can be the worst for the whiteness and brightness of our teeth. And what are the culprits? We’re talking about those delicious beverages such as coffee, tea, and red wine. And food? Those red berries that are so good for our bodies are actually big contributors to tooth discoloration.
That said, by no means are we suggesting that you should cut these foods and drinks out of your diet altogether. Rather, we are suggesting you consume them in moderation. And, add more water to your diet. For example, drinking a glass of water after enjoying a bowl of strawberries can help wash away those fruit juices. Plus, drinking some water after enjoying your coffee can help rehydrate you, not to mention wash down that dark-colored coffee.
Use take-home whitening products.
After your in-office whitening treatment in Boise, you’ll be provided with take-home tooth whitening trays. Using these trays and following the provided instructions can help your teeth stay whiter for longer.
These trays are designed to fit your teeth and allow the whitening gel to reach areas that brushing alone may miss. Many patients like using them occasionally to touch up their smile between dental visits. When used as directed, take-home whitening trays can help maintain the bright results of your professional treatment and keep your smile looking fresh throughout the year.
Schedule touch-up whitening treatments.
Tooth whitening doesn’t need to be a one-and-done treatment. Your first procedure will usually deliver the most dramatic results, often brightening your teeth by several shades. Over time, however, everyday foods, drinks, and natural aging can slowly affect the color of your teeth again.
Follow-up whitening treatments can help restore the brightness of your smile when this happens. While every patient is different, many people return about 12 to 18 months after their last full professional whitening session for another treatment. Waiting this amount of time allows your enamel to recover and helps reduce the chance of sensitivity or irritation while still keeping your smile looking bright.
Keep that whiter smile, and see your confidence grow.
Remember how we mentioned earlier that a whiter smile can help make you more approachable? This is because when we have a beautiful, attractive smile, our confidence grows.
Think about it for a moment. Do you feel like showing your teeth when they are yellow or otherwise discolored? Probably not. But when your teeth are bright and white, you feel good about yourself, and you are far more likely to offer a smile.
So, if your teeth are dull or discolored, why put off teeth whitening? Request a tooth whitening consultation at Staley Dental today.
