Professional tooth whitening at the dental office can produce remarkable results. Whiter teeth can boost your confidence and, according to a study, make you appear younger.
However, it’s essential to set expectations about the treatment results. Dentist-administered tooth whitening can effectively lighten the shade of your teeth, but the outcome isn’t permanent.
Despite this, you can control how long you can enjoy your brighter smile before returning to the dentist for touch-ups or follow-up appointments. Here are some tips to extend the effects of your whitening procedure:
Skip tooth-staining foods and beverages.
Certain foods and beverages are highly pigmented and leave stains on teeth. Coffee, tea, tomato-based sauces, and some fruits can cause your teeth to appear darker, especially when they’re exposed to them regularly and for a long period.
It’s okay to maintain a varied diet that includes fruits and vegetables, but keep in mind that some of them can affect the results of your recent teeth whitening procedure. Consume in moderation and skip carbonated, colored beverages.
Beware of sticky foods.
Hard candies and chocolates are examples of foods that adhere to the surfaces of the teeth and are difficult to remove. You may indulge once in a while, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
But monitor your consumption to avoid going overboard. Flush down food deposits by drinking plain water afterward.
Rinse your mouth after eating.
Brushing immediately after a meal isn’t recommended as it can cause enamel erosion.
Due to exposure to acid, the enamel weakens after eating. But you can keep food debris and liquid pigments from clinging to the teeth by rinsing your mouth with plain water.
This also helps increase salivary flow and strengthen the enamel. Removing debris that may have become lodged between teeth can also help prevent bad breath.
Avoid constant snacking.
Instead of grazing throughout the day, go for full meals and reach for snacks or dessert at the same time. Constantly reaching for goodies, such as starchy and sugary treats, expose the teeth to further plaque and tartar build-up.
Plaque, a colorless film filled with bacteria, coats the teeth and makes them look dull. It naturally forms on teeth, but you can prevent it from accumulating and turning into hard-to-remove tartar.
Avoid stocking up on sweets and starches and opt for natural mouth cleaners such as apples and carrots. Other types of food, such as cheese, can help neutralize acid levels in the mouth and boost tooth health.
Maintain good oral hygiene habits.
Proper brushing and flossing are necessary to keep your teeth looking great. Remember, the quality of your brushing techniques is more important than the frequency.
Your dentist or dental hygienist can show you how to properly clean your mouth, especially if you have a dental appliance such as braces.
These daily habits can prolong the results of your teeth whitening procedure, allowing you to require touch-ups less frequently and enjoy longer gaps in between.
Keep up with your routine dental visits.
Through routine dental check-ups, your dentist and dental hygienist can assess the condition of your teeth after bleaching. Routine hygiene cleanings get rid of debris that daily brushing and flossing cannot eliminate, resulting in brighter, cleaner smiles.
This also offers opportunities to discuss any concerns, such as side effects you may be experiencing. Tooth whitening is linked to increased tooth sensitivity, but this should be temporary.
If the discomfort persists, contact the dental office for a follow-up examination. You don’t need to wait for your scheduled appointment to inform the dentist about irregularities in your mouth.
See your brighter smile longer with guidance from your dental team in Red Deer, AB
At Image Dental Care in Red Deer, AB, we encourage you to stay in touch with our team, especially following a dental treatment. Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities. And your feedback is essential so we can provide you with better dental care services.
Extending the results of your teeth whitening procedure is possible, and we’re here to help you achieve this.