Do you aspire to have a smile that is as brilliant as the stars in the sky? Teeth whitening might just be the key for you! Yet, bear in mind that maintaining that gleaming smile goes beyond a leisurely stroll in the park. We’re on the verge of revealing seven essential tips for maintaining your teeth following a whitening treatment. Whether you believe it or not, these easy yet impactful strategies are absolutely not to be ignored!
Don’t eat foods that stain
It is important to be mindful of your eating habits after whitening. Some foods such as wine, coffee, and tea contain staining properties that could negate the effects of treatment. The same goes for smoke and vaping; both activities can leave stains on your teeth that are not removable without professional whitening treatments. Avoid consuming these kinds of food and drinks for at least 24 hours after treatment to ensure the best results.
Some soft drinks, like cola, with high amounts of acid, should also be avoided, as they can weaken the enamel over time. It is also advised that you wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything following a whitening treatment to give it time to take effect. If you are unable or unwilling to make changes in your diet following a whitening procedure then consider keeping regular visits with a dental professional for touch-ups.
Don’t have colored drinks
After you have your teeth whitened, it is essential to maintain your pearly whites and achieve sustained results. To help, here are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to aftercare:
Don’t Have Colored Drinks: You should avoid consuming colored liquids, such as tea, coffee, and soda. These drinks can stain your teeth and reverse the effects of the whitening. If you must consume them, drink them with a straw so that it does not come in contact with your teeth, or use a lip guard for added protection. Additionally, rinsing with water immediately after drinking can help reduce staining. It is best to steer clear of these drinks for 24-48 hours following the whitening treatment.
Don’t use colored dental products
Using colored toothpaste, mouthwash, or any other colored dental product can create a color imbalance in your teeth. Porcelain veneers and crowns are not particularly susceptible to color fading, but regular teeth whitening can sometimes affect the color of these products. Therefore, it is best to avoid using dental products with added color while you’re whitening your teeth.
Natural-colored dental products (without any added coloring) are safest to use during the processes and result in the most consistent whitening results.
Don’t eat acidic food
In order to maintain your whitening results for an extended period, it is essential that you avoid acidic food and drinks. Acidic products can cause both enamel erosion and discoloration – things you definitely want to avoid if you’ve just used a whitening treatment!
It is especially important to limit exposure to acidic drinks such as soda, energy drinks, sports drinks, and citrus-flavored juices. Hard candy, which tends to be quite acidic, should also be avoided. Replacing these items with pH-neutral alternatives is critical if you want to keep your smile looking its sparkling best!
Do rinse your mouth
It is important that you rinse your mouth after each whitening session– this will help to get rid of any excess peroxide and keep your teeth healthy. Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash or a non-alcoholic type of mouthwash can be effective in reducing the amount of peroxide left on the surfaces of your teeth, as well as providing additional protection against cavities and gum disease.
Furthermore, brushing the teeth lightly with a soft toothbrush can be beneficial in helping to remove any remaining surface staining. This is especially important for those who had previously used tetracycline antibiotics, as these medications are known to cause discoloration on teeth even after whitening treatments have been completed.
Do drink with a straw
Consuming drinks such as soda, coffee, and red wine can discolor your teeth easily. To protect your newly whitened smile, always drink beverages through a straw. Doing so will help to keep the liquid from coming in direct contact with your teeth, reducing the potential for staining.
Be sure to choose a straw that is not made from plastic since that material can corrode and release harmful toxins into your drink that you don’t want inside your body. Consider reusable stainless steel or paper straws instead.
Do avoid smoking
Smoking is not only bad for your overall health, but it can also discolor your teeth. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes are released through the smoke and will get deposited on teeth. Over time, these chemicals accumulate and cause yellowing or discoloration of the teeth. Additionally, smoking reduces the natural ability of your saliva to act as a neutralizing agent against tooth stain and discoloring agents.
Avoiding smoking after any kind of teeth whitening procedure (whether it is professional laser whitening or at-home bleaching) is important as it helps preserve the whiteness of your newly whitened smile for longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to do after whitening my teeth?
After whitening your teeth, you should avoid eating or drinking anything that could stain your teeth for at least 24 hours. This includes foods like coffee and red wine, as well as smoking. You should also avoid any foods that are overly acidic, such as citrus fruits, for at least 24 hours.
How often should I whiten my teeth?
The frequency at which you should whiten your teeth depends on your individual needs. Generally speaking, it is best to wait at least two weeks between whitening sessions. If you are using an at-home whitening kit, you can whiten your teeth once every two weeks or once every month, depending on the product instructions. If you are using a professional teeth whitening treatment, your dentist will likely recommend a specific schedule.
Are there any foods I should avoid after whitening my teeth?
After whitening your teeth, you should avoid eating or drinking anything that could stain your teeth for at least 24 hours. This includes foods like coffee and red wine, as well as smoking. You should also avoid any foods that are overly acidic, such as citrus fruits, for at least 24 hours.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whitening your teeth can be an exciting experience and a great way to improve the overall aesthetic of your smile. After whitening, it is important to keep up the aftercare routine in order to protect your teeth and maintain its newly acquired brightness.
To do this, we recommend:
- Brushing at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Flossing regularly.
- Avoiding sugary or acidic foods or drinks.
- Seeing a dentist for check-ups at least once every six months.
By following these do’s and don’ts of post-whitening care, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of your treatment for years to come!
