Now that you have invested in professional teeth whitening at Ideal Dental, your next question is how to maintain your new bright white smile for as long as possible. The good news is that you can extend the results of a single in-office or take-home teeth whitening session by several months by following the best practices we outline below.
Avoid These Foods After Teeth Whitening Treatment
The foods you choose to eat after receiving this popular cosmetic dentistry procedure make a big difference in whether stains will reappear on your teeth. This is especially true during the first 48 hours, since remnants of the whitening gel still remain in your mouth. We advise our cosmetic dentistry patients to avoid certain foods and drinks completely for two days after professional teeth whitening and to enjoy them in moderation after that. These foods and drinks include:
- Acidic foods such as oranges, lemons, and other fruits containing citrus, since they can damage tooth enamel
- Coffee and tea, which can cause instant teeth staining
- Dark chocolate, since the caffeine could stain your teeth
- Dark-colored sauces such as barbeque, pasta, or soy sauce
If you know that the food or drink you are about to consume will stain a white shirt, you should avoid it altogether. Should you find yourself unable to resist dark-colored drinks like soda, use a straw to drink it as this keeps the liquid from making direct contact with your teeth. When in doubt about what to eat, it is best to stick to white-colored meats and vegetables, non-acidic fruits, and colorless liquids.
Continue to Practice Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Be sure to keep brushing your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once per day, and use antiseptic mouthwash at least once per day. The reason we recommend antiseptic mouthwash is that it kills bacteria that can cause your teeth to become discolored again. Flossing also helps to kill bacteria and prevent plaque from forming in areas that you cannot easily reach with a toothbrush.
Using a whitening toothpaste one time every other day helps to remove surface stains that start to build up again before they become too noticeable. You should use regular toothpaste with fluoride the rest of the time.
Remember That Professional Teeth Whitening is Not Permanent
Completing teeth whitening in our office or taking a kit home with you offers excellent results that you will not see from a drugstore product. The process is fast, produces almost immediate results, and typically lasts for at least six months. You can also expect the shade of your teeth to be several times brighter than it is right now. However, you will eventually need to consider coming back for a touch-up if you want your teeth to retain the same level of brightness.
Schedule an Appointment
We invite you to contact us to learn more about our professional teeth whitening service along with all other cosmetic dentistry services. Your smile is worth the investment. Find your local Ideal Dental office to get started today.