How to Maintain Your Teeth After Professional Whitening

Are you loving your bright smile after a professional teeth whitening treatment but worried about maintaining the results? Don’t worry. We’re here to help you retain your bright smile with easy and useful tips so that your teeth stay white as long as possible. Interested? Read on to find out more!

7 Ways to Maintain Your Teeth After Professional Teeth Whitening 

There’s nothing more appealing than a healthy, white smile that lets you express your joy without restrictions. Over time, stains and discolouration due to wear and tear, ageing, and poor oral hygiene can dim your teeth’s colour. Professional teeth whitening treatments offer a safe and effective solution to remove these stains and refresh your smile. 

RELATED: Teeth Discolouration and Stains: What’s the Difference

You can choose from in-chair teeth whitening for instant results or convenient take-home kits for gradual lightening. With whitening gel mixed by your dentist, these treatments are supervised to ensure your tooth enamel is protected and you get your desired shade. Getting a professional cleaning done before to remove plaque or bacteria is recommended, thereby getting a smoother surface and optimal results. 

However, there’s a catch. Once you get back to your normal routine, your teeth will stain and won’t retain that whiteness. Therefore, you must take care of your teeth to maintain the colour. 

Here are a few things you can do to ensure your teeth stay white after a professional whitening treatment:

Consistent Oral Hygiene Practices are a Must!

We all know the importance of brushing twice daily and flossing to keep your teeth clean and bacteria-free. This protects your teeth from decay and prevents plaque and stain buildup. Always use a soft-bristled brush and strong fluoride toothpaste, rinsing with an anti-bacterial mouthwash. 

Don’t Forget Your Routine Dental Checkups

Regular dental checkups help maintain oral health, allowing dentists to detect emerging or potential issues early. This negates the need for extensive dental procedures, protecting your teeth from further damage. Remember, dental restorations like crowns cannot be whitened. If you treat a cavity early, all you may need is a small filling. But you could risk getting a pulp infection or losing the tooth if it progresses. Checkups may also include a dental cleaning to remove plaque or tartar buildup, reducing the risk of tooth decay or gum disease. 

Avoid Dark Coloured Food & Drinks

Colourful food may look and taste great but can stain your teeth very quickly. Limit the consumption of stain-inducing food and beverages like berries, beets, tea, coffee, red wine, etc. This is especially important immediately after your teeth whitening treatment. However, it’s not possible to remove these from your diet altogether. When you consume them, rinse your mouth immediately to limit stain buildup. Alternatively, using straws for coloured drinks also helps reduce direct contact with your teeth.

Say No to Smoking 

Tobacco causes yellow stains on your teeth, which are difficult to remove. The longer you smoke, the more stains you will have. Moreover, smoking can lead to bad breath and adverse effects on your health. If you’ve had a dental procedure or surgery, it can also slow down healing. 

Maintain Realistic Expectations 

Professional teeth whitening doesn’t last forever. Eventually, your teeth will stain, and you will need another treatment. Additionally, teeth whitening treatments cannot change the colour of tooth enamel. It can only remove surface stains and whiten your teeth. If you have internal discolouration or intrinsic stains, or the colour of your tooth is naturally yellow, you may need to explore alternative procedures like dental veneers. 

Get Touch-Ups

Depending on how well you care for your teeth, you may need touch-ups after a few months. This could be done at the dentist’s office or with take-home teeth whitening kits. You can use the kits with the whitening gel as instructed by your dentists to touch up or maintain your teeth whitening results. Your dentist can guide you on the right technique based on your teeth’ colour and condition, assessing factors like teeth sensitivity for personalised recommendations. 

Also Read: Benefits of Take-Home Teeth Whitening Treatments

Use the Right Products 

Talk to your dentist about aftercare products to maintain optimal results. ADA-approved whitening toothpaste can help keep your teeth white for longer. Avoid overusing DIY products or over-the-counter whitening products, as they can lead to tooth and gum abrasion and weakening of the tooth enamel. Your dentist can create a personalised hygiene and maintenance program to ensure your teeth stay healthy and white.

Smile Brighter with Professional Teeth Whitening!

At Bluegum Dental Clinic, we believe everyone deserves a smile they love. We understand the different needs of each individual and strive to provide quality dental care tailored to your needs. Whether you need whiter teeth, a straighter smile, dental restorations or general dental care, we’re here to help you achieve your oral and aesthetic goals. Book a consultation, and we can help create a personalised treatment plan to help you move towards a healthy and radiant smile.