Various foods and natural aging processes will affect the whiteness of your smile over time. Professional dental bleaching lifts these deep stains, and this process results in a brighter smile. You can take specific actions after your teeth whitening treatment that help your results last longer. Here are some ideas you can use to help your teeth stay whiter after undergoing a whitening treatment:
Limit Dark Staining Drinks
Your teeth are still susceptible to staining after your teeth whitening treatment. Avoid beverages that contain strong, dark pigments, such as colas. Drinking these liquids often may discolor your teeth again, but you can schedule a touch-up treatment to address this situation.
Patients should limit several common drinks to protect their bright smiles. Dentists strongly recommend avoiding or at least limiting these beverages because they accelerate the staining process. You may drink them through a straw later, but you should avoid them completely in the first few days.
Here are some examples of staining beverages:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Cola
Drinking staining beverages through a straw, if possible, can help limit the liquid’s contact with your whitened teeth.
Avoid Other Staining Substances
Other common products can affect the shade of your newly brightened smile, so you need to stay away from them. Tobacco products leave stubborn yellow marks on the enamel. You should also skip meals with heavy red sauces, and you can ask your doctor if any of your prescribed medications cause tooth discoloration.
Some medications affect the color of your teeth from the inside. You can prevent severe discoloration when you ask for a doctor’s help to find alternatives for the following medications:
- Antibiotics such as tetracycline and doxycycline
- Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine
- Antipsychotic drugs such as chlorpromazine
- Antihypertensive medications like minocycline
Always consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your prescribed treatments.
Maintain Regular Oral Hygiene
A clean mouth keeps stains away, so you should brush your teeth twice a day. Flossing removes plaque from tight spaces, and this habit protects the hidden edges of your teeth. You will maintain a healthy and whiter smile when you follow a consistent daily routine. Plaque traps dark pigments against your teeth. If you remove the sticky film daily, your teeth will stay brighter.
Routine dental cleanings remove tough surface plaque. Your dentist can polish your enamel, and this regular care prevents new stains from settling permanently. While some patients may need more frequent visits, the typical recommendation is for patients to visit for a cleaning twice a year.
Dentists recommend a consistent oral hygiene routine to maintain your results. Use a gentle, fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush because these protect your gums and enamel. Floss each day, and you can rinse with a clear mouthwash to prevent new stains from forming.
Schedule Your Subsequent Treatments
Bleaching results fade over time, and you will need touch-up visits. Your dentist will recommend a safe schedule for these procedures. The dental team will monitor your enamel health. They will apply the correct amount of bleaching gel under supervision.
Learn More About Teeth Whitening
You can keep a bright smile by avoiding dark drinks, skipping tobacco, and practicing good brushing habits. Touch-up visits help maintain the brightness, and your dental team will guide you through the ongoing process. If you want to learn more about the results of teeth whitening, consult a dental professional near you.