Teeth Whitening Services Aftercare: 10 Maintenance Tips

Have you ever looked in the mirror and cringed at the state of your smile? You’re not alone. Nearly 70% of Americans feel self-conscious about their teeth.

The biggest issue people struggle with is discoloration. Thankfully, teeth whitening services can restore and brighten your smile.

It’s important to have an after-care plan to maintain your beautiful new smile. Read on for the 10 teeth whitening maintenance tips you need today!

1. Brush Your Teeth

While it might seem like common sense, it’s important to prioritize your oral health. The first 48 hours after your teeth whitening procedure are critical. Protect your teeth while your tooth enamel is sensitive and vulnerable.

During this time, your teeth are more susceptible to staining.

Brush your teeth every morning and night. Use a soft-bristled brush. Make sure to replace it every three months.

If the bristles appear frayed, replace your brush more often. Consider switching to an electric brush for more thorough brushing.

Brushing your teeth twice a day will ensure you remove food particles, bacteria, and saliva before plaque forms. Plaque is the clear, sticky substance that can cause cavities. If you fail to brush plaque away, it can harden into tartar.

In addition to increased cavity risk, your teeth will also appear discolored if you fail to brush them twice a day.

2. Avoid New Stains

Certain foods and drinks can stain your teeth. After a teeth whitening procedure, try to cut back on:

Coffee
Tea
Red wine
Colored soft drinks
Deeply colored fruit
Dark chocolate
Colored candy
Colorful spices (paprika, turmeric, curry, etc.)
Substances with artificial coloring

If a food can stain a white t-shirt, it can also stain your teeth.

Acidic foods that contain lemon, orange, or other sources of citrus can weaken your protective tooth enamel. Fruit juice could contribute to dental caries, enamel softening, and tooth erosion.

Dark-colored sauces can also discolor your teeth. These include red pasta sauce, barbecue sauce, and soy sauce. Consider sticking with light-colored foods that won’t cause new stains.

Try to avoid colored dental care products. For example, there are red, orange, purple, and blue mouthwashes that can stain your teeth. Choose white or light-colored products instead.

3. Use a Straw

If you tend to drink colored soft drinks, tea, wine, or coffee, consider drinking through a straw. Using a straw will protect your smile after teeth whitening treatment.

You can keep beverages from touching your teeth.

Consider keeping a reusable straw in your bag for when you’re eating at work or out.

4. Rinse After Meals

Rinse your mouth thoroughly using whitening mouthwash that contains hydrogen peroxide after meals.

Rinsing your mouth regularly will reduce your risk of future stains.

If you don’t have access to mouthwash, rinse your mouth using water. Drinking water can help clear away food particles, food dye, and bacteria. Otherwise, bacteria can mingle with lingering food particles to cause plaque.

Consider drinking water after consuming beverages that can cause new stains.

5. No Smoking

Avoid smoking after your teeth whitening procedure. Smoking can stain your teeth and diminish your overall health. Quitting will improve your general health and the appearance of your teeth.

If you’re having a difficult time quitting, talk to your doctor.

6. Use Whitening Toothpaste

Talk to your dentist about the oral health care products you’re using. They might recommend you switch to a new toothpaste.

Consulting your dentist can help you avoid mistakes that might do more harm than good. For example, using hydrogen peroxide incorrectly can damage your teeth. Don’t go beyond a 3.6% concentration to avoid harmful side effects.

7. Chew Gum

Consider chewing whitening gum after snacks or meals (especially if you have a cup of coffee or a glass of wine).

Chewing whitening gum can’t replace proper brushing and flossing. However, chewing gum is an effective temporary option. It can help you protect your teeth until you can thoroughly brush and floss.

8. Floss Daily

In addition to brushing twice a day, you should also floss your teeth daily. Flossing your teeth will ensure you remove food particles from between your teeth. Lingering food particles can otherwise lead to plaque or tartar formation.

9. Schedule Touch-Ups

Maintain the results from your teeth whitening treatment by scheduling touch-ups. Your dentist can help you determine how often to schedule appointments. The frequency can vary based on your:

Choice of whitening treatments
General diet
Lifestyle

Restoring touch-ups once or twice a year will allow you to show off your smile with confidence.

The global teeth whitening market reached $6.9 billion in a single year. The industry has grown with advancements in technology. Teeth whitening is the most popular dental procedure in the US, accounting for 32% of in-office procedures.

With KOR whitening, you can slowly whiten your teeth. You’ll see the results in a few weeks.

This painless, simple procedure can improve the appearance of your smile without invasive treatments. You can schedule a consultation appointment at our offices to learn more.

10. Visit the Dentist

Schedule routine dental cleanings and exams at SkyRidge Dental every six months. Routine appointments and professional cleanings will clear away plaque and bacteria. Your dentist can also help by providing customized recommendations to improve your oral health.

For example, they might recommend you switch toothpaste brands to a product that contains fluoride.

You can also talk to your dentist about additional cosmetic dentistry treatments to improve the appearance of your smile. For example, a cosmetic veneer can conceal a stain on a single tooth.

Cosmetic veneers are small, thin caps that are custom-designed to fit over a tooth. Your dentist can brighten the color of the veneer to ensure it matches your smile. You can improve the appearance of your teeth without costly treatments.

Schedule Teeth Whitening Services Today

Proper aftercare following teeth whitening services will extend the effects of your teeth whitening treatment. Use these tips to maintain your stunning, bright smile. With proper teeth whitening maintenance, you can show off your smile with confidence.

Ready to whiten and brighten your smile? We can’t wait to see you!