Post-Procedure Instructions for Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening treatments will get your teeth to the desired shade of white you want them to be, and then it is up to you to keep them looking that way. A person's teeth are constantly bombarded by the things they eat and drink, while acids are attacking teeth enamel. It leads to stains and discoloration forming on the inner and outer layers of teeth. Enamel also becomes thinner over time, exposing more of the inner layer of teeth which has a yellow color. All these things will continue to affect your teeth after your professional teeth whitening treatment.

Maintaining the results of teeth whitening

Here are some simple ways to keep teeth looking white for years after whitening treatments:

1. Limit foods that discolor teeth

Foods that have strong tannins – coloring agents – lead to stains and discoloration forming on teeth. The first two days after getting whitening treatments are the most crucial when it comes to avoiding such foods and beverages. Teeth are more likely to become discolored when their new color has not yet set.

Common foods and beverages that stain teeth include:

• Coffee and tea.
• Dark fruit juices.
• Soda.
• Pasta, soy or barbecue sauce.
• Fruit punch.
• Highly acidic citrus fruits like oranges. These can weaken enamel, making it easier for the inner layers of teeth to be discolored.

A simple way to prevent dark-colored beverages from staining teeth is by using a straw when consuming them. People who have just completed whitening treatments should stick to foods and beverages with little to no color, like white meat, white vegetables, clear beverages and non-acidic fruits.

2. Clean your mouth twice a day

Good oral hygiene helps to prevent stains from developing on teeth surfaces. Not practicing good oral hygiene leads to tartar build-up, which discolors teeth. Tartar has a yellow color and it is more porous than enamel. It picks up stains and discoloration more easily because of that. Teeth that are covered with tartar will pick up new stains quicker.

Good oral hygiene includes brushing at least twice each day. One of those times should be right before going to bed. Saliva production is reduced during sleep, making teeth more vulnerable to decay and staining. Saliva serves as a natural cleaner for teeth that washes away food particles and their coloring agents.

3. Use whitening toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste will not drastically change the color of a person's smile, but it can help to prevent new stains from forming. Dentists recommend using a whitening toothpaste a few times a week to remove stains. Try not to overdo it since that can weaken teeth enamel.

4. Get touch up treatments

Maintenance treatments also help to keep teeth looking like they did right after getting whitening treatments. A touch-up treatment once or twice a year will do that.

We can whiten your teeth

Call or visit our Alexandria clinic to learn more about how to whiten your teeth and keep them looking that way.

Request an appointment here: https://alexoldtowndental.com or call Alexandria Old Town Dental at (703) 763-1078 for an appointment in our Alexandria office.

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