If you decide to illuminate your smile with a professional teeth whitening treatment in Irvine, you want the results to last as long as possible. Unfortunately, the same things that stained your teeth before the treatment can stain them after the treatment. Over time, common staining will take place. To help slow down that process, Art of Dentistry Institute offers helpful counsel to make your brilliant smile last.
Do’s
First, rinse daily with an anti-cavity rinse. This improves oral hygiene, decreases bacteria, slows the accumulation of plaque, and also helps whiten your teeth. Additionally, there are many over-the-counter rinses with an additional whitening agent which will help prolong the results of the whitening treatment.
Don’ts
There are some daily practices to avoid because they will stain your teeth over time. These include drinking coffee, tea, soft drinks, red wine, smoking, and even some medications. If you cannot completely cut these out of your life, rinse your mouth out after you use them.
Avoid acidic foods and beverages. These can weaken or wear away the enamel on your teeth, and weak enamel allows the yellow dentin to show through.
Artificial coloring in any foods and condiments can stain your newly whitened teeth. Candy, popsicles, and fruit punch are examples.
Remember the Basics
We probably don’t need to remind you, but brushing your teeth properly a couple of times a day will help you keep your white smile. You may choose a toothpaste with extra whitening or baking soda to help the process. Proper brushing should take you at least two minutes using short brush strokes, paying close attention to the gum line and hard-to-reach areas. Clean the outer surfaces of your upper, then lower teeth, including the inner surfaces. Finally, don’t forget the chewing surfaces and your tongue. Using good brushing techniques for 120 seconds will support oral hygiene, and permanent stains will not build up as fast.
It doesn’t take too much effort or money to make your whitened smile last. If you have any questions or would like additional tips on how to retain your fresh, white smile, reach out to our experts at Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine.