How To Maintain White Teeth After Treatment

Preserve Your White Teeth With a Comprehensive Aftercare Guide

After finishing a successful teeth whitening procedure, you’ll probably want to do anything you can to maintain the bright white of your teeth. There are many recommendations that your Washington Heights cosmetic dentist will give you to promote the longevity of your teeth whitening treatment. These include:

Avoid Excessive Tea & Coffee Consumption

These two popular drinks can cause staining on your teeth, so it’s best to avoid excessive consumption of tea and coffee. Consider warm milk or water instead. If you must drink tea or coffee, be sure to rinse your mouth and brush your teeth as soon as possible afterward.

Avoid Dark Sauces

Although teeth whitening procedures do not seriously limit your diet, it’s recommended to avoid heavy consumption of dark sauces because they can cause staining and discoloration of your beautiful, white smile. Sauces to limit include soy sauce, tomato-based sauces, and barbeque sauce.

White and light colored sauces or foods can be an excellent alternative that don’t discolor your teeth:

Alfredo and white wine sauces
Rice
Pasta
Eggs
Fish
Cauliflower
Cheese
Potatoes

Reduce Consumption Oof Acidic Foods

Acidic foods are anything that are high in acid, including citrus fruits and tomatoes. Although these foods can be good for your health, they can put your whitened teeth at risk as they weaken your teeth’s enamel layer. Follow your dentist’s instructions regarding an ideal diet after a teeth whitening procedure and be sure to rinse your mouth and brush your teeth after eating.

Use Straws As Aften As Possible

After a teeth whitening procedure, your Washington Heights cosmetic dentist will probably recommend that you avoid sodas, coffee, juices, and other acidic or sugary beverages, which are not good for your teeth because they weaken the enamel layer and can compromise your newly whitened teeth.

Using a straw can be an excellent way to protect your teeth because the liquid does not need to wash over your teeth. If you decide that you want to continue drinking beverages that could potentially stain your teeth, be sure to use a straw as often as possible in order to protect your teeth.

Rinse Your Mouth After Eating Or Drinking

Always rinse out your mouth after eating, drinking, or chewing gum. Many people like to carry a small bottle of mouthwash in their backpack or purse to make this easier while they’re away from home. Rinsing your mouth can eliminate any foods that can cause staining and prevent bacterial growth in your mouth.

Floss Frequently

Many of our patients are surprised to learn that flossing can maintain the whiteness of their teeth, but it’s true. Flossing once a day ensures that food particles between your teeth are removed. When food and other debris is able to accumulate in your mouth, plaque and bacteria will begin to grow, causing tooth decay and an unsightly color on your teeth.

Brush At Least Twice a Day

Maintaining your teeth’s whiteness requires good oral hygiene habits, which include brushing your teeth at least twice daily, ideally after each meal. Ask your Washington Heights dentist office for recommendations on which toothbrush and toothpaste are ideal for you to use after your teeth whitening procedure.

Use a Whitening Toothpaste

Teeth Whitening
It can be hard to know which brand of toothpaste is best, so ask your dentist for a recommendation. Whitening toothpaste may be the most advisable option.

Quit Smoking

This is one of the most important ways to keep your newly whitened teeth looking bright and healthy. Smoking is a scientifically proven and significant risk factor for tooth discoloration, decay, and other negative oral health consequences.

Get Touch Up Treatment

After your initial teeth whitening procedure, your Washington Heights dentist may recommend periodic touch up treatments to keep your whitened teeth looking bright and clean. This may be every year, every other year, or another schedule that fits with your lifestyle and needs.

Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year

Whitened teeth may look amazing, but can still become vulnerable to bacterial growth. It’s important to visit your Washington Heights dental clinic twice a year for regular cleaning and oral exams. At these appointments, your dentist can ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy, and provide early treatment for any decay, gum disease, or bacterial growth.

Find the Smile Of Your Dreams At Washington Heights’ Leading Dental Clinic

Have you been dreaming of a straight, white, beautiful smile and the confidence it would give you? Schedule your appointment with Esthetix Dental Spa, the leading dentists in Washington Heights. Our trusted team of cosmetic dentists have extensive experience with all cosmetic and corrective dental procedures, including Invisalign, veneers, teeth whitening, dental crowns, and much more. We can develop a comprehensive treatment plan to help you obtain the perfect smile. Contact us today to get started!