How To Maintain Results After Teeth Whitening

Many people get teeth whitening treatments with the hopes of achieving a whiter smile. It is one of the most easily accessible dental treatments with countless over-the-counter products available at drug and grocery stores.

The recommended way to whiten teeth is by getting it done by a dentist. These professionals use stronger whitening products that are not sold to the public. These whiteners can improve the color of a person's teeth by up to eight shades after an hour-long whitening session.

Maintaining the results of whitening treatments

The battle does not end once a person has pearly white teeth. Their teeth will continue to be exposed to many things that can discolor them like:

• Coffee, red wine and tea. These beverages contain powerful tannins that stain teeth
• Dark sauces like barbecue sauce, soy sauce and red pasta sauce
• Juices from fruits like red grapes
• Dark chocolate
• Acidic foods and beverages. These can weaken a person's enamel

Dentists typically instruct their patients to avoid such foods for the first 48 hours after their whitening treatment. An easy way patients can determine if a food is likely to stain their teeth is to ask themselves if the food would stain a white shirt. Anything that would stain a white shirt would stain teeth as well.

Of course, avoiding color-rich foods and beverages completely is not an option for many people. A simple way to avoid getting one's teeth stained is by drinking such beverages with a straw. This reduces the contact the beverage makes with the teeth. Try to rinse or wash teeth after having foods or beverages that can stain teeth.

Foods that are okay to eat after teeth whitening treatments include:

• White meat
• White vegetables like cabbage
• Clear beverages
• Non-acidic fruits

Oral hygiene after teeth whitening

Practicing good oral hygiene after getting whitening treatments also helps to maintain the results of the procedure. Patients who have just completed teeth whitening treatments should do the following regularly:

• Brush twice daily
• Floss once per day
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash at least once daily
• Use a whitening toothpaste a few times a week to remove surface stains and prevent discoloration

Get maintenance treatments

The results of teeth whitening treatments will not last forever regardless of how well one takes care of their mouth. Touch up whitening sessions performed once or twice a year can help patients to preserve their teeth's new color.

Regular visits to the dentist also help to maintain the results of whitening treatments. Teeth cleanings are performed during these visits and this involves the removal of tartar from teeth surfaces. Tartar has a yellow color so it discolors the appearance of teeth. Tartar is also more prone to staining than teeth enamel, so the tannins in the foods and drinks the patient eats stain teeth more when they are covered with tartar.

Improve the color of your teeth

Call or visit our Philadelphia clinic to learn more about how to maintain the results of teeth whitening treatments.

Request an appointment here: https://frankforddentalcare.com or call Frankford Dental Care at (215) 302-1746 for an appointment in our Philadelphia office.

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