Maintaining Results After Teeth Whitening: Dos and Don’ts
You’ve just had your teeth whitened, but how do you keep them bright? Many people struggle to maintain their new smile. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste helps keep teeth white.
This blog will show you what to do and what not to do after teeth whitening. Read on to learn how to keep your smile shining.
Key Takeaways
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to keep teeth white.
- Use whitening toothpaste with ADA Seal to maintain bright teeth after treatment.
- Eat light-coloured foods like fish, chicken, and tofu to avoid staining teeth.
- See your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings to spot issues early.
- Don’t smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine, or eat curry as they can stain teeth quickly.
Dos After Teeth Whitening
Here are some tips to help you maintain your pearly whites.
Brush and floss regularly
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. This habit keeps your smile bright after whitening. Floss daily to remove food bits between teeth. Good oral care stops stains and tooth decay.
Proper care after whitening means brushing 2-3 times daily and flossing. If your teeth feel sore, use toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Wait an hour after eating acidic foods before brushing.
This protects your enamel and keeps your pearly whites shining.
Use whitening toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste helps keep your teeth bright after a treatment. It’s best to pick one that has the ADA Seal. This means it’s safe and works well.
Make sure to use fresh toothpaste. Old products don’t work as well. Check the date on the tube before you buy it. Store your toothpaste in a cool place to keep it working well. Some types even need to go in the fridge.
Using the right toothpaste can help your smile stay white for longer.
Follow the white diet
After teeth whitening, follow a white diet. Eat light-coloured foods like fish, chicken, and tofu. These foods won’t stain your teeth. Other safe options include yoghurt, cheese, rice, and pasta.
Pears are also good to eat after whitening.
Your teeth are more porous after whitening. This means they can stain easily. Stick to white foods for a while. Good choices are whitefish, white cheese, and potatoes. You can also have skimmed milk, white rice, and egg whites.
These foods help keep your smile bright.
Schedule regular dental check-ups
Following a white diet helps keep your teeth bright. But don’t stop there. Book regular dental check-ups to maintain your smile. These visits let dentists spot issues early. They can also clean your teeth better than you can at home.
Dental clinics like Lethbridge Dental in Penrith offer top-notch teeth whitening. They also give tips to keep your teeth white longer. A dental cleaning six months before whitening can boost results.
Always talk to your dentist before trying any whitening method. Some stains may not come off with normal whitening.
Don’ts After Teeth Whitening
Steer clear of habits that can undo your bright smile. Read on to learn what to avoid after teeth whitening.
Avoid smoking
Smoking is bad for your teeth after whitening. It can make your teeth yellow again fast. More than 99% of people want whiter teeth for a better smile. But smoking ruins this. It’s best to stop smoking for good.
If you can’t, don’t smoke for at least two hours after your treatment. This will help keep your teeth white longer.
Tobacco hurts your teeth in many ways. It stains them and makes them look dirty. It also makes whitening results fade quickly. If you want to keep your bright smile, stay away from cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Your teeth and gums will thank you. Plus, you’ll save money on future whitening treatments.
Reduce consumption of staining foods and drinks
Staining foods and drinks can undo your teeth whitening efforts. Coffee, tea, wine, and fruit juices are big culprits. They contain chromogens, tannins, and acids that stick to teeth.
Soy sauce, curry, and turmeric can also stain your smile. To keep your teeth white, cut back on these items. Try adding milk to your coffee. This may help reduce its staining effects.
Sugary foods can also harm your white teeth. They feed bacteria that cause plaque and tartar build-up. This can lead to tooth discolouration over time.
Eat more fruits and veggies to protect your teeth. These foods are good for your oral health. They help clean your teeth as you chew. A balanced diet is key for a bright smile. Drink water after eating staining foods.
This can help wash away harmful substances. Use a straw when drinking dark beverages. This limits contact with your teeth. Next, let’s look at why you should avoid extreme hot or cold foods after whitening.
Avoid extreme hot or cold foods
After cutting back on staining foods, you must also watch out for extreme temps. Hot and cold foods can harm your newly whitened teeth. Your teeth are more porous after whitening. This means they’re more open to damage from heat and cold.
Stick to room temp foods and drinks for a few days. This helps your teeth settle after the whitening process. If you feel any pain, use toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Brush gently two to three times each day.
Floss once daily to keep your smile bright and clean.
Keeping your teeth white takes work. Brush and floss daily. Use special toothpaste for bright smiles. Eat light foods and skip dark drinks. See your dentist often. Don’t smoke or eat lots of sweets.
If you need professional teeth whitening in Penrith, you can book your appointment here.
FAQs
1. How can I keep my teeth white after treatment?
Keep up good oral hygiene. Brush twice daily. Use a fluoride toothpaste. Avoid foods and drinks that stain.
2. What foods should I avoid after teeth whitening?
Stay away from berries, tomatoes, and chocolate. These can stain your teeth. Also, skip sweets, biscuits, and other sweets.
3. Can I drink coffee or wine after whitening my teeth?
It’s best to avoid coffee and white wine. They can undo your smile enhancement. Drink water instead.
4. How often should I use whitening strips or gel?
Ask your dentist about using whitening strips or gel. Too much can cause tooth sensitivity. Follow their advice for best results.
5. Are there any habits I should change to keep my teeth white?
Quit smoking. It stains teeth badly. Also, cut back on fizzy drinks and other fizzy drinks. They can harm your teeth.
6. What can I eat to help keep my teeth white?
Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables. They help clean your teeth. Cheese is good too. It helps protect your teeth from stains.
