Achieving a bright, white smile through a professional teeth whitening treatment could be a great investment in your confidence and appearance. However, the results don’t last forever without proper care. To keep your teeth looking their best for as long as possible, a consistent maintenance routine and a few lifestyle adjustments are essential.
Watch What You Eat and Drink
One of the biggest culprits behind tooth discoloration is your diet. After a whitening treatment, your enamel is more porous and susceptible to staining for a short period. Even after that window, certain foods and drinks can dull your smile over time. Beverages like coffee, red wine, tea, and dark sodas are common offenders. Similarly, deeply pigmented foods such as berries, tomato sauce, soy sauce, and curry can cause staining. While it’s not necessary to eliminate these items completely, moderation is key. When you do consume staining foods or drinks, try using a straw to minimize contact with your teeth, especially for cold beverages. Rinsing your mouth with water or brushing shortly after eating can also help minimize the impact.
Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
Your daily oral hygiene routine plays a critical role in preserving your whitening results. Brushing at least twice a day with a whitening or fluoride toothpaste helps remove surface stains before they set in. Flossing daily is equally important to eliminate plaque and food particles that brushing alone might miss. This helps not only keep your teeth white but also supports overall gum health.
Incorporating an antiseptic or whitening mouthwash can also offer additional protection against staining and bacteria. Just be mindful of mouthwashes that contain alcohol. They can dry out your mouth, making it more susceptible to bacteria buildup and potential discoloration.
Avoid Tobacco Products
Smoking and the use of other tobacco products can quickly undo the effects of a whitening treatment. The nicotine and tar in tobacco are notorious for causing yellow and brown stains on teeth that are difficult to remove. In addition to cosmetic concerns, tobacco use is harmful to your oral and overall health. If you’ve committed to a brighter smile, consider this the perfect motivation to quit smoking or using tobacco altogether.
Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings
Professional dental cleanings every six months help maintain the health and appearance of your teeth. Hygienists can remove plaque and tartar that you can’t address with brushing and flossing alone. These cleanings could not only boost the longevity of your whitening treatment but also allow your dentist to catch any potential issues early, such as enamel erosion or gum disease, that could affect your smile.
Consider Touch-Up Treatments
Even with the best care, whitening results will gradually fade over time. Fortunately, you can extend the life of your smile with periodic touch-up treatments. Depending on the type of whitening you initially received, your dentist can recommend an appropriate schedule for touch-ups. For some, a quick treatment every few months is enough to maintain brightness. Others may only need a yearly refresh. Touch-ups can be particularly helpful if you notice staining in certain areas or if your smile begins to lose its initial sparkle.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is not just good for your health. It also supports oral hygiene. Water helps rinse away food particles and staining substances from your teeth. It also stimulates saliva production, which is your mouth’s natural defense against decay and discoloration. A well-hydrated mouth is more likely to maintain a clean, white appearance.
Teeth Whitening Treatment in Durham, NC
At Oak Grove Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we work hard to help our patients both achieve and maintain bright smiles. If you recently got teeth whitening treatment, proper aftercare is crucial. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn more about how to care for your new smile.