How to Maintain Teeth Whitening

Maintaining white teeth, post-whitening treatment primarily involves brushing and flossing regularly and adhering to fundamental oral hygiene practices. Consistent brushing and flossing effectively prevent the buildup of bacteria in your mouth, thus safeguarding against the gradual discoloration of your teeth.

How to Keep Your Teeth White After Treatment 

Bacteria can harm your teeth, so proper oral hygiene and oral health are essential for keeping your teeth healthy. Limiting certain foods and beverages for a while can also prevent post-treatment staining. Avoid food or drinks that have coloring such as tea, coffee, red wine, or blueberries, which can cause external stains to accumulate on the surface of your teeth.  Acidic foods, in excess, such as oranges and other citrus fruits, can cause damage to your teeth, whether or not they've been professionally cleaned and whitened. The same is true of coffee, which offers its punch to your enamel, slowly wearing it down. You may have difficulty retaining your whiter smile if you neglect hygienic care.

What Type of Toothpaste Is Best After a Whitening Treatment?

In most situations, caring for your bright smile simply means brushing regularly and cleaning away any debris so you can protect your mouth from potential cavities. However, the way you brush also matters.

The best toothpaste after a whitening treatment protects sensitive teeth and gums. When you whiten your teeth, you're usually applying treatments to a sensitive part of your mouth. That means it's easier to irritate your gums and harm the enamel that makes up the hard exterior of your teeth. Toothpaste made specifically for sensitive teeth and gums can help you avoid further damage to your existing teeth.

Can I Smoke After Tooth Whitening Treatment?

You can't smoke if you want to maintain your bright smile. Smoking is one of the worst things you can do to your teeth from an aesthetic point of view. Even three cigarettes are enough to undo most or all the benefits of whitening teeth. Nicotine isn't just an addictive substance; it also discolors teeth and can cause gum disease. Cigarettes also stain your teeth and give them that yellow tinge.

Once you've had a tooth whitening treatment, it's best to stop or reduce your smoking. Quitting smoking is hard, but the results are fantastic for your teeth and overall health. Not only will quitting smoking help you maintain whiter teeth, but it will give you healthier teeth.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

It is important to keep in mind that teeth whitening needs to be maintained by regular touch-up treatments—it is not a one-time procedure. How long your results last will depend in part on how often you eat or drink foods that can stain your teeth, or your daily habits. Touch-ups may be needed once or twice a year and should follow your dental cleanings for best results.

Getting a whitening treatment is only one part of getting a brighter smile. Brushing regularly and eating a smart diet are critical follow-ups to your treatment. To get your smile to look better and stay better, you need to take care of your teeth. This means limiting acidic fruits, drinking more water, and brushing regularly to keep cavities from forming.

Following your dentist's recommendations for dental care sets you on the path to prolonging the effectiveness of your treatment for years to come.

Ready for a dazzling smile that lights up every room? Take the first step to brighter, healthier teeth with Los Gatos Family Dentistry! Our expert team is here to ensure your smile shines its brightest with our top-notch teeth whitening services. Schedule your appointment today and let us help you maintain that radiant smile you deserve!