Over time, our teeth discolor and develop a yellow hue on their surface. As the hard protective coating of enamel wears down and the internal layer of yellow dentin is exposed, our teeth lose their pearly white shine and start to look yellow or translucent.
Poor oral hygiene and the frequent intake of foods that have the potential to stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, soft drinks, fruit juices, curries, berries and tomato sauces, can also lead to unsightly permanent stains on your teeth.
Yellow and stained teeth can diminish our confidence and make us extremely conscious of our smiles. According to the Statista Research Department, in 2020, 37 million Americans were using some form of tooth whiteners to restore the natural color of their teeth. However, the efficacy of in-office teeth whitening remains unrefuted. Results of a survey conducted by DentaVox reveal that 1 in 3 patients consider teeth whitening at home to be a risky process, and 75% of respondents expressed full faith in in-office teeth whitening procedures.
However, it is to be noted that the results of a professional teeth whitening treatment last for up to 6 months or a couple of years, depending on your aftercare. To ensure long-lasting results, you must do the following to take care of your teeth after an in-office teeth whitening treatment:
Focus on Your Dental Hygiene
It goes without saying that after your professional teeth whitening treatment, you will need to upgrade your dental care and hygiene. If previously you were negligent about flossing your teeth every night, then this is the time to start.
You must brush your teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day, to remove acid-producing bacteria, food residue, and pigments that could potentially stain your teeth and erode the enamel.
Make it a habit to rinse your mouth after every meal, especially if you have eaten sugary treats as snacks. Sugar attracts acid-producing bacteria and expedites enamel erosion, leading to ugly yellow-brown stains and tooth decay.
Avoid Foods and Beverages that Stain Your Teeth
It is important that you avoid foods and drinks that stain teeth. Some foods and drinks contain color pigments that can leave permanent stains on your teeth. Frequent consumption of these foods and drinks can cause excessive discoloration that becomes irreversible even if you brush and floss your teeth regularly.
It is best to avoid the following foods and beverages as they have been clinically proven to stain our teeth:
Tea
Coffee
Citrus fruits
Berries
Beetroot
Red wine
Soy sauce
Tomatoes
Tomato sauce (ketchup)
Pomegranates
Sodas or soft drinks
Curry
Dark chocolate
You should stick to meals that contain:
White meat
White and green-colored vegetables like onions, cauliflowers, garlic, icebergs, broccoli, spinach, kale, etc.
Non-acidic fruits and foods
Colorless drinks and juices like coconut water, white wine, milk, and unflavored sparkling water.
Quit Smoking
Whether you are an occasional or a chain smoker, the tobacco in cigarettes can have serious implications on your dental health and hygiene. Your teeth whitening technician will advise you to quit smoking in order to make the results of your teeth whitening treatment last longer.
Tobacco stains are so stubborn that even during professional dental cleanings, it is very difficult to get rid of old and deep-rooted tobacco stains.
Moreover, tobacco makes your teeth susceptible to tooth decay and damage. To save your permanent teeth and have a long-lasting beautiful smile, you must quit smoking.
Use Recommended Toothpaste and Mouthwash
After you have achieved the desired results of an in-office teeth whitening treatment, you should only use unflavored and uncolored teeth whitening toothpaste and mouthwash. However, certain oral hygiene products, like toothpaste and mouthwash, have bright colors. These vibrant-colored, gel-based toothpaste products can stain your teeth. Instead, use colorless products like white toothpaste or clear mouthwash to brush and clean your teeth.
Final Word
We hope that with these few aftercare tips, you will be able to prolong the results of your teeth whitening treatment, restore your beautiful, pearly white smile, and boost your self-confidence.
Jonathan Erik, Owner, New Wave Accelerated Teeth Whitening Certified Teeth Whitening Technician
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