Maintaining your Whitened Smile Post-Treatment
Brighter and more youthful teeth are the seemingly elusive holy grail of a confident smile, but don’t be fooled into thinking that a teeth-whitening treatment will solve all your problems forever.
Like a magical disappearing act, those stains may seem to vanish before your very eyes straight after your treatment, but unfortunately, they can reappear just as quickly if you don’t take care of them.
Before reaching for any over-the-counter products, it’s essential to consult with your dentist for the best post-whitening treatment plan. If there’s anyone who knows your teeth better than you, it’s definitely your dentist.
In this article, we’ll cover some general tips so you can take care of your investment and dazzle with those pearly whites for years to come.
Tip #1: Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Hold on to your toothbrushes because we’ve got some news that might shock you.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is absolutely critical to keeping your smile white and healthy.
Brushing twice daily and flossing once daily are essential for removing plaque and preventing stains. You may also want to consider using an electric toothbrush to remove plaque and stains more effectively.
Tip #2: Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks
So, you’ve finally completed your teeth whitening treatment and are ready to show off your pearly whites to the world! But wait, don’t reach for that cup of coffee just yet.
As much as we all love our daily dose of caffeine, coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-coloured berries are notorious for staining teeth. And trust me, you don’t want your newly whitened teeth to go from bright to blight; it’s best to avoid these culprits or consume them in moderation.
If you can’t live without your morning coffee, we recommend brushing your teeth or rinsing with water afterwards, or using a straw to minimise contact with your teeth – Orange Mocha Frappuccino with a straw; anyone?
Tip #3: Use Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide can help prevent new stains from forming. These active ingredients act as stain-blockers, ensuring your teeth stay as bright as your future. These magical ingredients are like tiny bleach fairies, working their magic to keep your teeth dazzlingly white.
However, be careful not to overuse whitening toothpaste, which can be abrasive and damage your enamel.
Tip #4: Get Regular Dental Cleanings
Regular dental cleanings are necessary for anyone who wants to maintain good oral health, but they become even more important after a whitening treatment.
After all, why invest in a dazzling set of pearly whites if you’re not going to take care of them properly? Getting your teeth professionally cleaned regularly ensures that any lingering stains or build-up are removed, allowing your shiny new smile to carry on sparkling.
So, do your teeth and your confidence a favour and don’t skip that bi-annual dental appointment – your smile will thank you for it.
Tip #5: Drink Plenty of Water
Who knew that staying hydrated could be the key to a brighter smile? Drinking plenty of water can do wonders for your mouth. Not only does it keep your body hydrated, but it also helps prevent stubborn stains from forming. Plus, the simple act of rinsing your mouth with water can help get rid of the gunk you might not even realise is lurking between your teeth.
Tip #6: Consider Touch-Up Treatments
Over time, your teeth may become yellow or stain and lose their lustre, even with the proper daily care. Luckily, your dentist can advise whether touch-up or take-home treatments can give your smile the extra boost it needs to shine brightly again.
Maintaining a white, bright smile takes effort and dedication, but the rewards are worth it. By practising good oral hygiene, avoiding staining foods and drinks, using a whitening toothpaste, getting regular dental cleanings, drinking plenty of water, and consulting with your dentist for touch-up treatments, you can maintain your newly whitened smile.
