When you choose to have teeth whitening treatment at our Milford practice, you are making a great investment in your smile and overall appearance. While teeth whitening is extremely effective and can leave your teeth up to eight shades whiter, it is not permanent. However, there are certain things you can do to maintain your whiter smile and prolong the effects of your treatment. In fact, with proper care, your whiter smile can last for years to come.
Hygiene and Routine Maintenance
Upholding proper dental hygiene is the most important thing you can do to maintain your whiter smile, as well as your complete oral health. Of course, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once, and make biannual visits to your dentist. Proper care will help prevent the buildup of plaque and bacteria that lead to discoloration. You may also want to switch to whitening toothpaste. When used alone, this kind of toothpaste will not have the same dramatic effect as professional whitening treatment. However, it can be immensely helpful in maintaining the results of your treatment.
For best results, you should brush at least three times a day – once after each meal. An antibacterial whitening mouthwash can also help you keep up your whiter smile; use this immediately after eating to remove bacteria as well as loose particles of food. In fact, brushing as soon as you finish a meal can actually be detrimental to your teeth. When particles of food are still trapped in your mouth, brushing simply moves these particles around, pushing them into hard-to-reach corners and crevasses between your teeth. For optimal oral health, you should rinse out your mouth before brushing.
Food and Drink
In addition to brushing after eating, what you eat can have an enormous impact on the color of your teeth. Certain food and drink, such as coffee, tea, berries, red wine, tomato sauce, soda, and other acidic items can wear away the enamel on your teeth. Not only does this pose a greater risk for dental decay, it also exposes the easily stained underlying layer of dentin. For best results, you should avoid these items for at least 24 hours following teeth whitening treatment, and in general, you should consume them in moderation. If you are a regular coffee or tea drinker, sipping these beverages from a straw can help prevent discoloration.
Other Tips
Smoking is a major cause of stained teeth. Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to prevent future stains. Additionally, women may be surprised to learn that certain kinds of lipstick can actually lead to dental staining. If you use lipstick on a daily basis, talk to your dentist or a beauty specialist to learn about the safest types of makeup to use. Finally, for the best whitening maintenance, talk to your dentist about touch-up treatments. You may want to undergo routine touch-ups in the office, or your dentist may provide you with take-home whitening gel to help you preserve your brilliant smile for a long time to come.
Sensitive Care Cosmetic & Family Dentistry is proud to serve the Milford area. Patients can contact our office at 203-878-6699 to schedule an appointment or a consultation.