Things to Do After a Teeth Whitening Procedure
Although a teeth whitening procedure can quickly get rid of any discolouration, how you treat your teeth after treatment can determine how long your white smile will last. Remember that your teeth can still get stains after the whitening treatment.
Here's a list of things to do to help keep your new bright smile for longer.
Avoid Dark-colored or Acidic Foods and Drinks
After a whitening procedure, you want to keep your teeth free from staining as much as possible. This step is important not only for maintaining a bright smile, but also for preventing unwanted damage to teeth that might occur through serious tooth stains.
Stay away from dark-coloured foods and drinks that may cause teeth discolouration. Some common culprits include:
- Coffee
- Chocolate
- Dark berries
- Red wine
- Sodas
These foods and drinks are loaded with pigments that can attach themselves to teeth and stain your newly whitened teeth.
Acidic foods and drinks can also cause teeth stains. These foods include:
- Citrus juice
- Certain fruits (lemon, pineapple, etc.)
- Vinegar
- Soy sauce
The acids in these foods and drinks can wear teeth down over time, making teeth more susceptible to discolouration after a whitening procedure.
Floss and Stay Hydrated
If staining after teeth whitening is a major concern for you, an effective teeth-cleaning routine will be important moving forward. Brush your teeth twice daily and floss at least once per day to remove any food particles before they have the chance to sit on your teeth and cause stains.
A cleaning routine helps remove plaque and leftover food particles between teeth. If you fail to do so, plaque can form on your teeth and cause teeth stains or extreme sensitivity.
For at-home whitening, use whitening trays instead of strips or other teeth whitening methods that are worn over teeth. Trays allow you to clean your teeth more effectively because they cover a far greater surface area on your teeth than strips ever could.
In addition, drink water regularly after whitening your teeth. Water will help teeth stay clean, which helps them retain their new colour. Drink lots of water throughout the day to rehydrate and remove any acid that might otherwise stain your teeth or cause sensitivity. Water also helps rinse teeth free from any unexpected plaque buildup that can lead to teeth stains.
In-office teeth-whitening procedures can leave teeth looking white and healthy - and for much longer than simple DIY procedures. But for the best results, you need to keep your teeth clean and hydrated after a whitening procedure. Keep your teeth healthy and bright with these tips to enjoy a brighter, whiter smile. Contact a local teeth whitening service to learn more.
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