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Keep Them Bright

Professional teeth whitening is a great way to improve the appearance of your smile and give your self-confidence a boost. But did you know that immediately after whitening your teeth, they are especially susceptible to staining and discoloration? 

This is true, especially for the first 48 hours after your whitening treatment. So we’ve put together some tips to help you keep your smile bright and brilliant and maximize your tooth-whitening results. 

Why Whiten Your Teeth? 

Whitening your teeth can be an effective way to make them brighter, whiter and more attractive than ever before. It’s also a great way to enhance your smile’s overall look and attractiveness.

There are many reasons people choose to whiten their teeth. Some may want to achieve a healthier and whiter smile because it makes them feel better about themselves. Others may simply like how white their teeth look when smiling or laughing. 

Whitening at the Dentist vs. at-Home Whitening?

At-home teeth-whitening kits have become very popular in recent years because it’s so easy to do yourself. The problem with these kits is that they don’t always work as well as they should, and they don’t work as well as the whitening you can get in a dental office. In addition, they may not remove all stains or blemishes from your teeth, and if you overdo it, you could end up with chipped tooth enamel, gum irritation or extreme tooth sensitivity.

At the dentist, we use professional-grade whiteners to get rid of most surface stains and discoloration and give you whiter teeth. You’ll see immediate results and get the self-confidence boost that comes from having a brighter smile. Plus, our dental team will monitor your progress and adjust your treatment accordingly to ensure maximum whiteness. 

How Do I Know If My Teeth Are Ready For Whitening? 

Several factors will determine if your teeth are ready for a professional whitening session. The most important factor is how well your teeth have responded to previous treatments. In other words, how many times has your dentist applied bleaching gel or used a laser on your teeth? This will tell us whether your teeth are strong enough to withstand the effects of a whitening procedure. 

How to Keep Your Smile Bright And Brilliant After You Whiten: 

Avoid beverages that can stain your teeth. These include coffee, tea, soda, red wine and energy drinks. All of these contain substances that can cause stains on your teeth. Instead, we recommend that you drink water throughout the day. Water helps rinse away stain-causing agents from your teeth and keeps your mouth healthy by flushing out harmful bacteria. 

Avoid foods that can stain your teeth to protect your new tooth color. Some examples include dark-colored fruits like blueberries, blackberries and grapes. Also, avoid eating candy and sweets because these can cause stains on your enamel. Instead, eat only soft, light-colored foods such as apples, chicken, pasta, cauliflower, rice or tofu. 

Avoid acidic food and drink. Foods that are high in acidity can weaken your enamel and cause it to become porous. Examples include citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegar, pickles, tomato sauce and ketchup. Instead, eat foods low in acidity, such as broccoli, yogurt, milk, cheese, eggs and peas.

Brush your teeth regularly. Brushing your teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste will remove food particles and plaque buildup from your teeth. In addition, this will prevent stains from forming on your teeth. A good rule of thumb is to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes each time. 

Avoid tobacco. Smoking and tobacco use can result in stained teeth. Tobacco contains chemicals called tannins that can leave brownish stains on teeth. Note: While vaping doesn’t stain your teeth, it may still have harmful effects on your health. Vaping products often contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can be dangerous. 

Use an electric toothbrush. Using an electric toothbrush will help clean your teeth more thoroughly than manual brushes. It also helps reduce the risk of staining and will help you practice good oral hygiene and avoid tooth decay. 

After 48 hours, you’re good to resume your regular routines and consumption of coffee or dark-colored foods. Note, over time, these foods and drinks will discolor your smile. 

How Often Can You Whiten Your Teeth? 

You may wonder when it’s best to get your teeth professionally whitened. While there isn’t a set schedule, we recommend getting your teeth professionally whitened about once a year. Any more frequent professional whitening or too frequent use of over-the-counter products and you could end up with tooth sensitivity and even permanent tooth discoloration. So talk to us about how often you should whiten when you come in for your next visit. 

What About Home Whitening Strips? 

Home whitening strips are popular among many people, but they have their drawbacks. They don’t provide the same results as professional treatment. They usually take longer to work and aren’t effective against stubborn stains. If you want to try home tooth-whitening systems, make sure you choose one approved by the FDA. But, better yet, call us to talk about our tooth-whitening options. 

The Bottom Line 

If you’re looking to brighten your smile, consider getting your teeth professionally whitened instead of doing it yourself. Give us a call now to schedule an appointment for an in-office treatment.