Professional Teeth Whitening Aftercare Tips

More and more people want to have teeth whitening treatments. It seems that whiter, brighter teeth present a good state of health and self-esteem. An in-office tooth-bleaching treatment is far more effective than over-the-counter products. Having a professional whiten your teeth can be expensive. If you want to protect your teeth whitening investment, here are some aftercare tips to remember.

Staying away from colored dental care products

Any colored substance in contact with whitened teeth will cause discoloration. Many colored dental care products are available on the market. There are purple, orange, red, or blue brands of mouthwash or toothpaste on the market. Staying away from these products will prevent re-staining teeth. Teeth are still porous after the teeth whitening treatment. Considering using white or light-colored dental products will be better.

Avoiding colored drinks

These drinks have vibrant artificial or natural colors. They tend to stain teeth. Drinking from a bottle, a glass, or a cup allows these colored drinks to touch the teeth. Common colored drinks are dark sodas, red wine, dark beer, fruit juices, coffee, and dark tea.

Drinking clear or light-colored drinks is better. Using a straw should be a habit in case the individual should have coffee or any colored drink. A straw can prevent colored drinks from touching the treated teeth. Brushing right after drinking can help re-staining as well.

Quitting tobacco consumption

All tobacco products are hazardous to health. Smoking or chewing them can re-stain whitened teeth right away. Anyone with these habits will need constant teeth whitening sessions to correct the staining. Having professional teeth bleaching treatments too often can weaken the enamel. Quitting tobacco use is a better option. It will improve general health and keep teeth white.

Staying away from staining, greasy, and acidic foods

These foods tend to be tasty and attractive. It can be challenging to avoid them. But staying away from them should happen if the patient wants to prevent re-staining whitened teeth. Acidic, staining, and fatty foods can stain teeth. These foods can also damage the enamel layer. Below are common foods to erase from the grocery list after a teeth whitening treatment:

• Dark sauces (balsamic vinegar, marinara sauce, soy sauce)
• Colorful spices (turmeric, curry, cayenne, paprika)
• Colored candy
• Acidic fruits
• Red meat
• Vibrant berries
• Vibrant vegetables
• Dark and milk chocolate

If the food can stain a shirt, then it can stain teeth too. This will be a good thing to remember if the patient attends a party. Even with many restrictions, there are still delicious foods and beverages a patient can enjoy after a teeth whitening treatment. Staying on a white diet for 10-14 days can maintain the effects of the teeth whitening treatment. Below are foods and beverages a patient can consume:

• Oatmeal
• Uncolored pasta
• Egg whites
• Tofu
• Chickpeas
• White chocolate
• Cauliflower
• Vanilla ice cream
• White wine
• Milk
• Still water
• Coconut water

When to have teeth whitening touch-up

Sometimes, the effects of teeth whitening can fade over time. Updating one’s dental whitening treatment is ideal. This will maintain the patient’s bright and white smile for as long as possible. The touch-up treatment can happen in the dental clinic or at home. Either method can bring back the whiteness of the treated teeth. Here are the times when one can get a touch-up of the teeth whitening treatment:

• Changing dental restorations is a good time to have the whitening treatment again. These restorations do not respond to the whitening chemicals. Having the whitening treatment first is ideal. The dentist can then match the color of the new restorations after the treatment.
• Coming in for a regular dental check is a good time to consider a touch-up. The dentist will clean the patient’s teeth well. A physical dental exam will happen at the same time. Then, the dentist can proceed with the whitening touch-up.
• After weeks of drinking staining drinks and eating staining foods can signal the need for teeth whitening touch-up. Many people can never have a complete day without coffee, wine, soda, or tea. These beverages can stain teeth. The porous surfaces of teeth can absorb the dark color, resulting in darker coloration. A good time for touch-ups would be every three or four months.

Proper aftercare can extend the effects of your teeth whitening treatment

Dental staining is a common problem. Correcting it is possible with an in-office treatment. Your dentist can whiten your teeth in one dental visit. In-office teeth whitening can cost more than over-the-counter products. But it is more effective, especially with proper aftercare practices.

Are you considering having a teeth whitening treatment in the Allendale Charter Twp area? Get more information at https://www.grandvalleydentistry.com.

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