A bright, white smile can give your confidence a boost and leave a lasting impression. Whether you’ve opted for professional in-office bleaching or used a whitening kit at home, making lifestyle changes after teeth whitening is a must to maintain your dazzling smile. At Dorfner Dental Studio, after administering a teeth whitening service to a patient, we recommend that they follow these tips to make results last as long as possible.
Watch What You Eat and Drink
Your diet can have a significant impact on the longevity of your teeth whitening results and other cosmetic dentistry procedures. Certain foods and beverages will stain your teeth, including:
Coffee and tea – These popular drinks are notorious for staining teeth. If you don’t want to give them up, consider using a straw to minimize contact with your teeth and rinsing your mouth out with water after drinking them.
Red wine – The acidity and vibrant color of red wine can discolor teeth and cause enamel erosion. Consume it in moderation and drink water to help rinse your mouth to keep your smile looking good after teeth whitening.
Berries – Whether you enjoy eating blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, or raspberries, they can all stain your teeth. Make sure to rinse your mouth after eating and brush your teeth ½ hour after you’re finished if possible.
Dark sauces – Soy sauce, tomato sauce, and other dark or brightly-colored sauces and soups can also cause stains after teeth whitening. Choose lighter sauces and rinse your mouth when you do eat dark sauces.
Curry – Curry dishes are known for their vibrant red, yellow, and green hues. Eating curries in moderation and brushing your teeth after a meal can help preserve your smile after teeth whitening.
Limit Acidic Foods and Beverages
Foods and drinks like citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegar-based dressings, wine, soda, tea, and coffee can erode the enamel on your teeth, making them more susceptible to staining.
Don’t Use Tobacco
Smoking and chewing tobacco are two of the most significant contributors to tooth discoloration, as nicotine and tar can turn teeth yellow or brown over time. Not only will quitting cigarettes, cigars, or chew benefit your overall health, but it will also help you keep your smile bright.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Proper oral hygiene is essential for maintaining teeth whitening results. Make sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and floss daily. Seeing your dentist for regular checkups and dental cleanings also keeps your teeth healthy and looking fresh. You may also want to consider using toothpaste and mouth rinse to whiten teeth to help maintain the brightness of your smile.
Stay Hydrated
In addition to benefitting your overall health, drinking plenty of water helps keep your smile white. Water stimulates saliva production and prevents dry mouth, which can contribute to discoloration. Chewing sugar-free gum also stimulates saliva production and helps cleanse your mouth and teeth.
Be Mindful of Medications
Certain medications such as tetracycline may cause tooth discoloration as a side effect. If you’re taking medications that have the potential to stain your teeth, ask your dentist or healthcare provider about alternative strategies to minimize or prevent discoloration.
Use Touch Up Treatments
The longevity of teeth whitening results varies from person to person and depends on several factors, including the type of whitening method used and lifestyle choices. Ask your dentist about the best teeth whitening products to touch up your teeth occasionally and enjoy a beautiful, long-lasting white smile. Our team is happy to answer any questions you may have about how to care for your teeth after whitening.
Learn More About Teeth Whitening in Burlington Township, NJ
Making lifestyle changes after teeth whitening is well worth the effort to maintain a dazzling smile. To learn more about the best teeth whitening services for you and other dental treatment options at Dorfner Dental Studio, call 856-672-7186 to schedule an appointment or contact us online today.
