Teeth Whitening Aftercare: A Guide to Keeping Your Teeth Pearly White
Who doesn’t love a dazzling white smile? But let’s face it, by consuming foods like berries, coffee, chocolates, and wine, sparing your teeth from stains can be a challenge. This is where a professional teeth whitening treatment comes in. If yellow, stained teeth are among your major oral health concerns, it’s time you ditch those DIY teeth whitening remedies and visit your dentist for a smile makeover.
However, it is crucial to understand that a recently completed teeth-whitening treatment does not guarantee an eternally white smile. Your dentist’s job was done when they gave you a dazzling white smile, and that is when your job begins in making that treatment last and protecting your teeth from any future statins.
What To Expect After a Teeth Whitening Treatment?
Since teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure and uses active ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide, you can expect to experience mild side effects such as heightened sensitivity. This is a common side-effect that you can expect to last for a few days post-treatment. Although this discomfort is easily manageable and can be easily tackled by using over-the-counter gels, in the meanwhile, you should avoid hot and cold beverages.
How to Ensure the Longevity of the Treatment?
Now that you know the effects of teeth whitening treatment do not last forever and it is upon you to extend its efficacy, here are a few things that you should keep in mind.
- Steer Clear of Staining Beverages-
- Quit Smoking-
- Brush Your Teeth After Every Meal-
If you cannot start your day without a cup of coffee or find yourself chugging a can of coke every other day, you might notice that your teeth have lost their brightness over time. This is because beverages like tea, coffee, red wine, and other aerated drinks not only stain your teeth but also break down the enamel, pushing all the money you spent on the teeth-whitening treatment down the drain. However, if you cannot imagine your life without these drinks, you can always work your way around them. Instead of directly sipping from the glass, you can use a reusable straw as it reduces the amount of liquid that comes in contact with your teeth.
Eliminating tobacco can not only help maintain the results of your teeth whitening treatment but also ensure optimum oral health. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes leave a yellow stain on your teeth, which is the last thing you want after a successful teeth whitening treatment. Also, excessive smoking increases the chances of getting gum infections and even mouth cancer.
As a rule of thumb, brushing your teeth twice a day is crucial to maintaining your oral health. However, if you want the results of your cosmetic treatment to last longer, it is recommended that you brush after every meal. Certain foods and drinks can deteriorate the effectiveness of your treatment, so brushing away the stain-causing bacteria is the best way to keep your teeth looking whiter.
Aside from regular care, it is crucial to visit your dentist regularly, at least twice a year. They can check for any underlying concerns that are detrimental to your oral health and can offer regular touch-ups to keep your teeth looking whiter for an extended period of time. So, if you’re looking for a teeth whitening dentist, get in touch with us today!