Are you reluctant to smile due to stained teeth? If so, teeth whitening might be an option for you in smiling with confidence. In fact, about one in seven, or 14%, of Americans have undertaken this popular dental cosmetic procedure. Once you have invested in teeth whitening, you will want it to last.
We offer some tips to help you achieve that!
The First 48 hours, post-treatment
Your teeth are especially porous immediately after treatment. Therefore, avoid food and beverages that have dark pigments, tannins, or concentrated acid that stain such as:
- Tomato-based sauces
- Tea
- Coffee
- Red wine
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Chocolate
- Soy sauce
- Sodas
Beyond Day 2, Up to Six Months
Beyond 48 hours, consume the above listed items in moderation. When possible, use a straw for problematic beverages. A straw will direct liquids closer to your throat, partially bypassing your teeth. Rinsing with water after drinking or eating foods that stain decreases the time your teeth sit in the acid wash from, say, soda or citric fruits.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day – upon waking and before sleeping for the evening. Better still – brush after every meal. Minimizing the duration of food or beverage sitting on your teeth has the added benefit of reducing staining. Floss once a day to expel food particles that may lodge in-between teeth promoting bacteria build-up.
Overall, maintain a consistent, daily oral hygiene routine. Avoid plaque build-up by scheduling semi-annual dental visits. Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated and avoiding tobacco are practices that support prolonging the effects of teeth whitening.
Six Months & Beyond – Rinse, Wash, Repeat
To get consistent results, embrace a routine that is repeatable. You are what you eat – so, eat healthy and balanced meals. Sleep regularly. Drink water after meals, brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist twice a year.
Supplemental Products and Procedures
The enamel on your teeth acts as a protective shield. Avoid anything that might wear it down, including abrasive toothpaste or hard toothbrush bristles. Fluoride toothpaste is a standard ingredient in America. Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is more popular in countries like Japan and has similar efficacy per this study.
Six months to a year after your treatment, an in-home or in-office “follow-up” may be warranted. However, avoid overdoing whitening treatment to minimize stripping enamel.
If you experience noticeable sensitivity after the treatment, use sensitive-teeth toothpaste that reduces pain signals to your nerves. Avoid hot or cold foods or ask your dentist about other options.
Tobacco use, aging, medications, and certain foods can discolor teeth. To avoid these unwanted problems, embrace diet and lifestyle choices that promote the longevity of teeth whitening.
Fruits and vegetables. such as apples, carrots, and celery can help clean teeth naturally. Chewing sugar-free gum after meals is another habit to pursue. By stimulating saliva production, chewing gum or crunchy fruits helps wash away food particles, mildly buff tooth surfaces and help with mineral intake.
Maintaining a bright smile can be achieved through sound daily routines and periodic dental visits. Remember, good oral health is integral to overall wellness. At Briarcliff Manor Dental Care we can help you be confident in your smile with teeth whitening or other dental procedures. Call us at 914-941-1639 or visit us to join our growing roster of satisfied, smiling customers.
