Getting your teeth whitened is easily the most effective method of having an absolutely radiant smile. And what you do during the first 48 hours after you leave are crucial for keeping your teeth white and protecting your investment. There are certain things you should be doing and others you need to avoid in the days and weeks following your treatment. So if you want to reduce staining and ensure your pearly whites stay pearly white, here’s how you should be looking after your freshly whitened teeth.
Continue Oral Hygiene Routine
Unfortunately, some people think they don’t need to brush or floss as much because their teeth look so much whiter and brighter in the mirror. But not only does this expose you to increased plaque, but stains can also decrease the whiteness of your teeth much faster. Keeping up with your oral hygiene routine of immediate teeth cleaning is imperative if you want to prolong the effect of your whitening treatment for as long as possible.
So, to ensure your teeth keep looking brilliantly white, you should be brushing three times each day after meals to remove any surface stains. You should also be flossing thoroughly at least once a day to reduce the build-up of plaque. If your teeth seem to be more sensitive than usual after the whitening treatment, try using dental products that are specifically for sensitive teeth. Just remember to stay away from any coloured toothpaste and mouthwash, as they can actually increase stains on your teeth.
Avoid Damaging Foods
While there is a wide variety of food and beverages we consume that can negatively affect the colour of our teeth normally, whitened teeth are even more susceptible to becoming stained. So stay away from them for at least 48 hours after your whitening procedure. Most of the foods that are known to cause staining are usually either sour, greasy, or darkly coloured. By avoiding the following foods, you can help ensure your teeth remain white longer.
Food to avoid includes acidic fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges, citrus fruits like mangoes, plums, and kiwifruits, as well as dark fruits like pigmented berries, and colourful vegetables like tomatoes, spinach, carrots, and pomegranates. You should also avoid using any colourful spices like curry, turmeric, or paprika with your meals, as well as dark-coloured condiments like balsamic vinegar or soy sauce, and any red pasta sauces like barbecue sauce and tomato sauce. Finally, stay away from red meat, milk, sweets, dark chocolate, and coloured candy.
Avoid Staining Drinks
Just like the types of food above, it’s also important not to drink any beverages which can also cause significant damage or discolouration to the enamel of your teeth. This means avoiding any strongly coloured beverages such as tea, coffee, beer, soda, fruit juice, and of course red wine. Basically, you should be staying away from any food or drink that would cause a stain when accidentally spilled on your clothes.
If you simply cannot go without any of these beverages for the first 48 hours, at least drink them through a straw and immediately brush your teeth afterwards. The straw will help keep these liquids away whereas the brushing will diminish their contact with your teeth. While there’s obviously no guarantee this will completely eliminate stains, it will help prevent as much discolouration and staining as possible.
Cut Back On Tobacco Products
Not only is smoking bad for your health in general, but it’s also one of the quickest ways of reversing the effects of your whitening procedure. They don’t call them smoker’s teeth for nothing. The best way for smokers to fight the cravings and avoid tobacco for at least 48 hours after seeing your Teeth Whitening dentist is with either nicotine patches or vaping. Both of which are much better for your overall health as well as your teeth.
Final Thoughts
Having your teeth professionally whitened is not only a physically transformative process, but it can also seriously boost your self-confidence. So, following the guidelines listed above is only a small sacrifice for 48 hours to ensure your pearly whites have that natural shine for longer and your teeth whitening cost was worth it. Talk to the teeth whitening experts from Aesthetic Dental and Denture Clinic today to find out more about teeth cleaning and brightening.
