Tips to Maintain Whiteness After Teeth Whitening
Once you've made the investment in a brighter, whiter smile through professional teeth whitening, you'll notice the immediate boost it gives to your confidence and self-esteem. While the joy of an improved and radiant smile is long lasting, it is not permanent. It can last from as short as a couple of months to up to 3 years – it varies from person to person but also the lifestyle choices they make.
If you had your cosmetic dental treatment with us at Duxton Dental’s clinic in Riccarton, you will know (in great detail) about how to maintain your newly whitened teeth. However, not all cosmetic dentists are as obsessed with aftercare. Here’s a summary of the maintenance information we give to help keep that sparkly smile for longer:
Aftercare: 72 hours after you’ve whitened your teeth
Teeth have a protective layer called the acquired pellicle and it is on the pellicle where stains on your teeth are found. During the teeth whitening process, this natural barrier is removed which means they are vulnerable to fresh staining. For the pellicle to develop again it takes between 12 to 24 hours. It’s best to avoid consuming anything that would stain a white shirt, this includes, but is not limited to:
· Coffee
· Colas
· Red sauces including ketchup
· Mustards
· Soy sauce
Eat only white and clear foods and drinks and avoid anything acid based for the first 72 hours. If you eat something dark, brush your teeth and rinse your mouth afterwards. If you are unable to do so, chew some sugar-free gum within 20 minutes. The saliva produced helps remove food and drink debris, neutralise acids in the mouth and help reduce any whitening-induced tooth sensitivity.
During the first 72 hours, your teeth are more vulnerable to tooth decay as well as staining, so be vigilant to the food and drink you are consuming. Here’s some examples of foods and drinks you can eat:
· Milk and water
· Bananas and apples with the peel removed
· White bread and flour tortillas
· Oatmeal, cream of wheat
· Plain yoghurt, sour cream, and cottage cheese
· White rice or baked potato
· Plain pasta with a white sauce
Lifestyle changes to support white teeth
· Practice excellent oral hygiene
Maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine is crucial for preserving the whiteness of your teeth. Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove plaque and surface stains. Floss daily to clean between the teeth and along the gumline, where plaque and stains easily accumulate.
· Stop smoking
In addition to being harmful to your overall health, smoking also causes significant discoloration of teeth, which only becomes more apparent after you’ve had your teeth whitened. Tar and nicotine quickly stain teeth, leading to a dull and yellowed appearance. Smoking restricts the efficiency of saliva too, which results in an increase in gum disease and eventually tooth loss.
· Visit the dentist regularly
Regular visits to your dentist are essential for maintaining and monitoring oral health. Your dentist provides professional teeth cleaning to remove surface stains before they become problematic. They also assess the effectiveness of your whitening treatment and offer personalised advice on how to keep your teeth white and address any concerns you may have about your oral health.
Duxton Dental deliver comprehensive quality dental care for our Christchurch patients, including cosmetic dentistry in Riccarton. Our experienced team is committed to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams for years to come. If you are ready to take the next step towards a brighter smile, call 03 348 5488 to schedule an appointment to discuss your whitening options and explore how the beauty of your smile can be enhanced.
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