What To Avoid After You Whiten Your Teeth
Teeth whitening is a safe and common dental procedure, and it is a simple way to make a significant difference in the appearance of your smile. However, after your in-office teeth whitening treatment, you’ll need to avoid certain activities if you want the effects to remain. By eliminating these activities, you’ll enjoy a beautiful, white smile for as long as possible.
Don’t Eat Whatever You Want
After your teeth whitening appointment, you shouldn’t return to your regular diet right away. Many dentists recommend that whitening patients stick to a “white” diet for the first 48 hours after their treatment. The pores of the enamel will remain open for a day or two after whitening, so you should avoid dark foods during this time. Instead, stick to meals and snacks that are light in color to prevent stains.
Don’t Assume Your Dental Hygiene is Unimportant
Some people believe that once their teeth get whitened, they no longer need to brush well. That is an unfortunate myth, as correctly brushing and flossing will extend the life of your whitening treatment. Plus, failure to care for your teeth can lead to cavities, decay, and many other oral health issues that can alter the appearance of your smile. By regularly brushing and flossing your teeth, you’ll help to keep future stains at bay.
Don’t Attempt to Whiten Again at Home
Like all good things, teeth should get whitened in moderation. Whitening too much can lead to dental issues, including damage to the enamel and sensitivity. Some people double up on whitening by employing an at-home whitening treatment after an in-office session, but this is not advisable. If you aren’t happy with the color of your teeth, talk to your dentist before you attempt to whiten at home.
Don’t Drink Dark Liquids
Now that your teeth are pearly white, you may feel you are in the clear to drink dark beverages again. Unfortunately, whitening doesn’t permanently alter the color of your teeth. The tannins in coffee, red wine, and grape juice can leave yellow or brown stains on your teeth, eventually reversing the effects of your treatment. However, you can minimize the consequences if you drink these beverages through a straw, which will divert the liquid away from the fronts of your teeth.
Don’t Use the Same Toothpaste
It is important to use toothpaste that will best support your results, and special whitening toothpaste can maximize the effects of your whitening treatment. They contain bleaching agents that oxidize new stains, thereby helping to break down staining agents before they can discolor the enamel. These specific toothpaste brands can preserve your results better than other options.
Teeth whitening treatments are a fairly simple way to make a major impact on your smile. By avoiding some specific activities after you whiten, you can enjoy a beautiful, white smile for as long as possible.
Whiten Your Teeth Today
Contact Suburban Essex Dental located in West Orange, NJ. Our friendly staff and expert Dentist, Dr. Paul Feldman will be happy to help. Dr. Paul Feldman, DMD, FAGD, FICOI has been rated “Top Dentist” in the New Jersey Monthly for 8 years straight. Contact Suburban Essex Dental to set up an appointment and we will help you to whiten your teeth and give you the smile you deserve.
