Cosmetic dentists perform professional teeth whitening to get rid of discolorations and stains from the teeth. Those considering the procedure naturally want to try to preserve the results for as long as possible. In this article, find some helpful aftercare tips to ensure teeth retain their luster for a long time.
The following are tips patients should consider after undergoing professional teeth whitening:
One of the most important rules is to avoid certain foods and drinks for at least 24 hours after the whitening procedure. The teeth are more prone to staining in the first few hours and some foods can cause permanent stains. This includes tomato sauce, soy sauce, chocolate and most fruits except bananas. For drinks, patients are advised to avoid colored soft drinks, coffee, tea, fruit juice and alcoholic drinks. The essential guide is to avoid anything that could discolor a white shirt.
After the first 24 hours, long-term maintenance starts. For those who cannot avoid colored drinks, it is advisable to use a straw when drinking. A straw minimizes the teeth’s exposure to the drink and therefore reduces stains.
To preserve the result of professional teeth whitening, the person should avoid smoking altogether. Cigarettes and other tobacco products stain teeth easily. Discoloration caused by smoking may be the reason for undergoing the procedure in the first place. If quitting is not feasible, the person may need to visit the cosmetic dentist more frequently to maintain the appearance of their smile.
It is better to avoid using colored toothpaste or dental rinses on the day of treatment. The coloring used in those products can stain the newly whitened teeth. For optimal results, patients should use only white toothpaste and avoid dental rinses completely in the first 24 hours. Brushing and flossing regularly is also important to maintain the results.
Aside from avoiding teeth-staining foods and drinks, patients should ensure they keep up with their dental appointments. This allows the dentist to check the mouth for potential issues and provide treatment. Also, during the appointment, the dentist can perform a deep cleaning to eliminate plaque build-up and surface stains and keep the teeth looking beautiful for a long time. Dental professionals recommend that people visit their dentist twice yearly for a checkup.
Another easy way to keep teeth looking white is to get a whitening toothpaste. Everyday use of such a toothpaste may increase tooth sensitivity, so it is better to use it a few days a week to keep the smile looking aesthetically appealing before the next professional teeth whitening procedure. Whitening toothpaste also helps to eliminate surface stains.
If you want a whiter smile, contact the cosmetic dentist for a professional teeth whitening procedure. Follow the aftercare tips provided above to keep your smile sparkling for a long time.
Request an appointment here: https://www.aboutdentalcare.com or call About Dental Care at (435) 359-0147 for an appointment in our St. George office.
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