Tips for Maintaining a Bright and Healthy Smile After Teeth Whitening

Getting professional teeth whitening can give you the smile you have always desired. Unlike home-whitening products, professional whitening solutions produce immediate results. Taking care of your teeth can ensure you enjoy the results for as long as possible. You should know that you can undo the whitening effect through your actions. Following are tips for maintaining a bright and healthy smile after teeth whitening.

Stop Smoking or Using Tobacco Products

The easiest way to reverse the results of your whitening treatment is by smoking or using tobacco products. Stains caused by smoking are the most difficult to remove. The products harm oral health and cause more than cosmetic problems.

Apart from causing discoloration, smoking encourages the buildup of bacteria. This can lead to decay and gum disease. Quitting tobacco use will help you maintain your bright, healthy smile.

Brushing Your Teeth Regularly

To maintain the results of your whitening treatment, brush your teeth after consuming teeth-staining foods and beverages. The major culprits of dental staining are:

Coffee
Tea
Wine

Blueberries and blackberries are foods that can also cause staining. Brushing your teeth after consuming dark foods can help prolong your dental whitening results. It can also help to drink beverages through a straw. If you cannot brush immediately, rinse your mouth.

Using Whitening Toothpaste

Use whitening toothpaste as part of your daily routine. This will keep your teeth looking whiter for longer. Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash contain ingredients that can prevent discoloration or yellowing.

The products clean the teeth while preventing staining. Your dentist can recommend the best whitening products for your needs. Use the mouthwash to rinse your mouth after every meal and after consuming stain-causing beverages.

Schedule Regular Dental Cleaning

Daily oral hygiene is vital to maintain your whitening results. But you also need a regular professional dental cleaning. Your dentist has the tools and techniques to remove any hidden plaque and tartar. The plaque and tartar can mar the results of your treatment. Buffing and polishing the teeth will help maintain your bright smile. During cleaning, your dentist will let you know if you need touching up.

Schedule Touch-up Treatments

If you notice your teeth getting dull, consider getting touch-up treatment. Your dentist can touch up your whitening treatment, leaving your teeth as bright as possible. The time between touch-ups varies between individuals, but most need one every six months. If you smoke or consume a lot of staining beverages, you need more frequent touch-ups.

Basic daily care will keep your teeth white and your gums healthy. This care includes:

Brushing and flossing daily will prevent the buildup of stains while protecting your teeth
Using fluoride toothpaste with whitening properties
Investing in disposable toothbrushes or dental wipes to clean your teeth while on the go
Changing your toothbrush every three months to ensure effective cleaning
Avoiding using OTC whitening products that can have dangerous side effects

Some products have ingredients that can damage the enamel and cause severe sensitivity.

For more tips for maintaining a bright and healthy smile after teeth whitening, visit Seaport Dental Associates at our Boston or Milton, Massachusetts office. Call (617) 737-6453 or (617) 690-3205 to schedule an appointment today.