If you have had your teeth professionally whitened, there are a few things you can do to maintain the results of your treatment.
If you have been through a professional whitening treatment, you are likely enjoying your brighter, more beautiful smile. Although the results of your treatment should last for some time, there are a few things you can do to ensure that your teeth stay white for as long as possible. Here are our top tips for maintaining the results of your whitening treatment…
1. Limit foods and drinks that can stain
Even if your teeth have been professionally whitened, they can still be stained by several popular beverages. Some of the most common culprits include coffee, carbonated soft drinks, as well as red wine. To maintain the results of your whitening treatment for longer, it is advisable that you avoid these drinks or at least limit your consumption.
If you enjoy the occasional beverage that could discolour your teeth, consider using a straw, especially in the first few days following treatment. It will minimise contact with your teeth and reduce the risk of stains. It’s also a good idea to drink some water after you consume a stain-causing beverage, as this will rinse away some of the dark liquid off the surface of your teeth.
There are also a few foods that are best avoided after a whitening treatment, particularly in the first few days following your procedure. These include highly pigmented or dark foods with added colourants like soy sauce and tomato-based sauces. Try to stick to light-coloured foods for a few days at least — some good options include pasta, rice, white fish, chicken, cauliflower, and potatoes. Any food that would stain a white shirt is best avoided. Within 24 to 72 hours of your treatment, you should be able to resume your usual, varied diet.
2. Maintain your oral hygiene
One of the best things you can do to prevent stains on newly whitened teeth is practise proper oral hygiene habits daily. When plaque builds up on the teeth, it attracts stain-causing substances. For this reason, getting rid of plaque regularly will reduce your risk of discolouration.
To keep your teeth clean and free from stains, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day for around two minutes each time. You should also floss your teeth at least once a day to get rid of plaque and other debris that may be stuck between your teeth and along your gum line.
3. See your dentist for a professional clean
Besides limiting your consumption of stain-causing foods and drinks and taking good care of your teeth daily, you may also find it helpful to visit your dentist for regular cleans. Your dentist will be able to get rid of any surface stains that have developed and keep discolouration at bay in between your whitening treatments.
How can we help?
At Crookes & Jenkins Dental, we offer a comprehensive range of cosmetic treatments. These treatments are designed to enhance the appearance of your smile. Teeth whitening remains one of the most popular cosmetic treatments we have on offer. We offer in-office whitening for those who would like instant results. We also have at-home whitening kits for those who would like to whiten their teeth gradually in the comfort of their home.
If you are considering a whitening treatment and would like to find out more about your options, please have a look here.
We also offer a comprehensive range of other dental treatments — to find out more about our services, please have a look here.
To book an appointment to see us, please contact us here or give us a call at 07 3367 1122.
Don’t forget to share this via Twitter, Google+, Pinterest and LinkedIn.
