A bright, white smile can give you a huge confidence boost, but whitening treatments won’t last forever. What can you do to maintain your teeth after whitening? Our dentists share some expert tips on how to maintain your bright new smile and make the results of your treatment last longer.
Five Tips for Making Teeth Whitening Last
1. Brush and Floss Every Day
Keeping up with your regular oral hygiene routine is essential. Brushing and flossing remove the plaque and food particles that cause stains. You might also want to try using a gentle whitening toothpaste a few times a week to enhance the effects of your treatment.
2. Schedule Professional Dental Cleanings
Professional cleanings help remove surface stains and tartar buildup to ensure that your whitening results last as long as possible. You should schedule a cleaning once every six months, or more often if recommended by your dentist. Preventive care is one of the most effective ways to extend the results of your teeth whitening treatment.
3. Avoid Foods and Drinks That Stain
Certain foods and drinks can stain your teeth, especially right after whitening. Avoid dark-colored drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and sodas for at least 24 to 48 hours after your treatment. When you do consume these drinks, try using a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day not only keeps you hydrated but also helps rinse away food particles and neutralize acids that can lead to staining. Sipping some water after a cup of coffee or a glass of wine will minimize staining and keep your teeth white.
4. Don’t Smoke or Vape
Nicotine products like cigarettes, vapes, and chewing tobacco are notorious for staining teeth. Reducing or quitting these habits altogether will not only prevent stains, it will also reduce your risk of gum disease and tooth loss.
5. Schedule Touch-Up Treatments
Over time, your whitening results can fade. Scheduling touch-up treatments will restore brightness and keep stains at bay. In addition to professional treatments, there are many over-the-counter whitening kits available for home use as well. However, not all of them are safe or effective. Before starting a new whitening regimen, ask your dentist to recommend the best at-home whitening products.
Cosmetic Dentistry in West Branch, Michigan
Maintaining your teeth after whitening is all about consistency. By following these tips, you can keep your smile bright and beautiful for as long as possible after your treatment.
The team at Baker Dental is here to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. We provide only the safest, most effective whitening treatments available, and we’ll help you make the results last as long as possible! If you are interested in teeth whitening or need a touch-up treatment, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
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