If you’ve just had your smile brightened with a professional teeth whitening procedure, you’ve experienced the “Wow! Factor”. You don’t want to lose that fabulous feeling and you certainly don’t want to do anything to lose that look.
With proper aftercare, whitened teeth can stay bright for approximately six months to a year, sometimes longer! Here are some important things to keep in mind to keep your smile bright for as long as possible:
#1 Let It Settle
For at least 24 hours after your teeth whitening treatment, you should avoid coffee, tea, dark colored soda, red wine, berries, candy, tomato sauces, beets, chocolate, or any other foods that can stain teeth. (This is when your teeth are most susceptible to staining.)
#2 Brush and Rinse
Ideally, you should rinse your mouth and brush your teeth after every meal. If this isn’t practical, then maintain a habit of brushing twice a day and flossing daily … and rinse after every meal.
#3 Upgrade Your Toothbrush
Use an electric toothbrush with soft or extra-soft bristles to remove even the most stubborn bits of food between teeth.
#4 Improve Your Toothpaste
Brush with a toothpaste that has teeth-whitening properties that can protect your teeth from getting stained and discolored.
#5 Drink With a Straw
Drink caffeinated beverages with a straw! It may seem over-the-top, but coffee, tea, and soda are the enemy of white teeth. Using a straw protects your teeth. (Or you can give up these beverages entirely!)
#6 Don’t Smoke
Smoking is a major cause of teeth discoloration, so don’t do it! Your health will thank you.
#7 Avoid Dark Lipstick
Ladies, avoid using lipstick, especially dark colors, as
certain types of lipstick can stain your teeth and cause discoloration.
#8 Avoid Foods That Stain
On a regular basis, try to avoid foods and beverages that will stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and fruit juices. Be sure to rinse and/or brush after eating these foods to inhibit staining.
#9 Choose Good Foods
Consider adding foods to your diet that promote bright, healthy teeth. Foods like rice, cheese, milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese.
#10 Make Regular Appointments
See your dentist regularly for dental hygiene check-ups.
When these do’s and don’ts become part of your regular routine, you’ll be sure to maintain that Wow! factor with your whitened teeth. Keeping these good habits will be worth it – your mirror will confirm it!
Brighten Your Smile
To make an appointment about whitening or if you have any questions, you can reach our Friendly Dental of Worcester office at (508) 340-4611, our Unique Dental of Worcester office at (508) 556-6241, our Taunton Dental Center office at (508) 659-, and our Uxbridge Family Dental office at (508) 714-7046.
