Maintaining White Teeth After Teeth Whitening
You’ve just walked out of the dental office with a dazzling smile, and it feels fantastic. Teeth whitening Melbourne CBD can give you the confidence you’ve sought, but the work continues beyond there.
Now that your teeth are brilliantly white, it’s essential to maintain that fresh, bright look for as long as possible.
Understand the Staining Culprits
Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-coloured sodas are common culprits. These beverages contain chromogens, pigmented molecules that can cling to enamel and cause staining. Some fruits, like berries, sauces, and soy sauce, can contribute to discolouration.
To decrease the probability of staining, avoid or at least limit the consumption of those foods and beverages. When you take that soda, use a straw so that your teeth are not in direct contact with it, or rinse your mouth with water after the drink. The less exposure your teeth have to staining agents, the longer your teeth whitening results will last.
Brush and Floss Regularly
It might sound simple, but the basics are crucial. Brushing twice daily and flossing daily will remove the plaque and surface stains that can dull your smile.
Purchase a toothpaste designed for whitening teeth. It should include mild abrasives or chemicals that will help keep your teeth white.
However, be cautious not to overuse abrasive toothpaste, as it can wear down your enamel over time.
You should also use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid harming your teeth’s gums and enamel. Electric toothbrushes are much better at removing surface stains and effectively cleaning teeth.
Flossing is also necessary because it helps get rid of food residue and plaque from spaces between teeth that are too small for a toothbrush to reach.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is good for your health and your teeth. Water washes away food particles and germs that may cause stains.
Rinsing your teeth quickly with water after consuming foods or beverages prone to discolouration can help limit their effects.
Staying hydrated also promotes saliva production, which naturally cleanses the teeth and reduces plaque buildup.
Rinse with a Whitening Mouthwash
Incorporating a whitening mouthwash into your daily routine can help maintain your bright smile. Whitening mouthwashes are designed to reduce surface stains and prevent new ones from forming.
Seek out mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide, a bleaching agent that can help maintain teeth whiteness. Use it as directed, typically once or twice daily, after brushing and flossing.
Consider Touch-Up Treatments
Even with the best care, your teeth may lose brightness over time. That’s where touch-up treatments come in.
Your Melbourne CBD dentist may recommend at-home teeth whitening kits to use periodically to maintain your results.
These kits often include custom-fit trays and a bleaching gel similar to what was used during your initial treatment.
It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions when using these products. Overuse of teeth whitening treatments can lead to tooth sensitivity or damage to the enamel.
By spacing out your touch-up treatments and using them as directed, you can keep your smile looking fresh without compromising your oral health.
Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups
Daily flossing, brushing, and regular dental check-ups ensure your teeth remain white. On these occasions, your dentist can professionally remove any buildup of plaque and tartar that might have developed.
This deep cleaning can help prevent stains from forming and keep your smile looking its best.
Your Melbourne CBD dentist will also assess the health of your teeth and gums to provide feedback on whether the teeth whitening treatment has had any negative impact, such as sensitivity or redness of the gums.
If you notice any issues with your teeth or gums after whitening, bring them up during your next visit.
Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Products
If you’re serious about maintaining your white teeth, it’s essential to avoid smoking and other tobacco products.
Tobacco is one of the major causes of tooth discolouration because it results in stubborn stains that are hard to clean and remove.
Beyond aesthetics, smoking also increases your risk of gum disease and oral cancer, making it a habit worth quitting for your overall health.
Opt for Whitening-Friendly Foods
Certain foods can help keep teeth white. Fruits and vegetables with high fibre and crunchy, like apples, celery, and carrots, help clean the teeth as people chew. The fibres remove food particles and even stains from the surface of the teeth.
Additionally, dairy products like cheese and yoghurt can help strengthen your enamel and make your teeth more resistant to staining.
Increase your consumption of these foods to help you achieve better mouth and gum health and a bright smile.
Be Mindful of Temperature Sensitivity
After whitening, your teeth may be more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. To prevent post-treatment discomfort, avoid eating foods and drinks that are too hot or cold.
If you experience ongoing sensitivity, consider using a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes contain ingredients like potassium nitrate that help soothe the nerves inside your teeth, reducing sensitivity over time.
Practise Good Oral Hygiene Beyond Brushing and Flossing
Maintaining white teeth isn’t just about brushing and flossing. Floss your teeth regularly and brush your tongue to reduce bacteria in your mouth, employing interdental brushes to clean the region between the teeth.
Also, limit your sugary and acidic food intake, as these can erode enamel and make your teeth more susceptible to staining.
Teeth Whitening Management in Melbourne CBD
Remember, consistent care and regular check-ups are the key to long-lasting results. Avoid getting those stains back—maintain your watchfulness and be assured of a sparkling and shiny smile.
At Art De Dente Melbourne CBD, we prioritise your comfort and deliver a positive experience throughout your visit.
Contact (03) 9642 8955 or request an appointment online.
Visit us at Level 17, 190 Queen Street in Melbourne CBD.
