When you want to remove stubborn stains and brighten your smile, professional teeth whitening is one of the best ways to boost your appearance. Compared to at-home solutions like whitening strips and toothpastes, in-office bleaching brightens better, works faster, and lasts longer. But if you want to maximize these results, you need to care for your teeth properly after treatment.

Do:

Stay smart about cosmetics.

In some cases, wearing lipstick can make your teeth appear even brighter. However, some cosmetic products can transfer color to teeth and contribute to staining. To avoid these problems, stick to smudge-proof lipstick.

Avoid foods or drinks known to stain.

Dark-colored foods and beverages, such as berries, coffee, and red wine, can easily stain enamel. If you do eat staining foods, try to eat them along with ones that help scrub teeth clean like apples and cheese. If you’re consuming a dark drink, using a straw can help minimize the liquid’s contact with enamel.

Enhance your oral hygiene.

Brushing and flossing regularly is necessary for everyone’s oral health. However, when trying to preserve teeth whitening results, you might need to intensify the process. If you consume staining foods and beverages, rinsing with water or brushing 30 minutes later can help prevent long-term discoloration.

Don’t:

Ignore sensitivity.

During the teeth whitening process, the sensitive areas beneath the enamel are temporarily exposed, which may contribute to minor dental sensations like tingling. If you experience extra sensitivity, talk to your dentist. They may prescribe a treatment like a toothpaste for sensitivity or recommend diet changes like avoiding hot or cold foods.

Smoke cigarettes.

Cigarettes contain nicotine and many other components that can dramatically stain teeth and reverse the effect of your whitening treatment. If you’re looking for a reason to quit, preserving your smile makeover is a great motivator. At the very least, you should avoid smoking during the first 24 hours after treatment.

Skip recommended touch-ups.

Depending on your whitening needs, your dentist may recommend using at-home touch-up trays. To optimize your results, stick to the touch-up schedule your dentist has set for you.

Offering comprehensive cosmetic dentistry solutions on Oahu, Stephen R. Ho, DDS is a top choice for teeth whitening in Honolulu, HI. Serving the Waikiki community for more than 25 years, Dr. Ho is well-versed in bleaching treatments and how to customize them to each patient’s needs. If you’re looking for other ways to boost your smile, this clinic also offers other state-of-the-art cosmetic treatments, including porcelain veneers and Invisalign®. For more information on the clinic’s general and cosmetic services, visit the website. To schedule a convenient appointment, call (808) 949-4288.