If tooth discoloration has you hiding your smile, a whitening treatment may be beneficial. Utilizing special bleaching formulas, professional treatments are designed to open up small pores in enamel so stains can lift out. While this cosmetic dentistry solution delivers impressive results, there are several ways you can enhance — and impair — your treatment. To make sure you get the most out of your smile makeover, here are a few do’s and don’ts of teeth whitening to keep in mind.

Do:

Stick to professional treatments.

At-home whitening products may seem convenient, but they are not as fast or as powerful as dentist-provided treatments. With access to advanced bleaching solutions and tools, dentists will brighten your smile by several shades in under an hour. If you follow all aftercare instructions, these results should last anywhere from six months to a year — much longer than DIY methods.

Avoid acidic foods.

Over time, acidic foods — such as pickles, tomato sauce, and citrus fruit — will wear away at tooth enamel, leaving your smile vulnerable to discoloration. If you can’t avoid these foods altogether, rinse your mouth with water after eating and to consume items that neutralize acids — including dark leafy greens, nuts, dairy, and whole grains.

Tell your dentist about sensitivity.

If you have tooth sensitivity, whitening treatments may aggravate the problem temporarily by exposing sensitive portions of the teeth. Let your dentist know about these issues before treatment, so they can adjust the time and location of application to minimize sensitivity.

Don’t:

Consume staining foods and beverages.

Foods and drinks with dark pigments — such as berries, beets, and coffee — stain tooth enamel and contribute to tooth discoloration. You should avoid these items for at least a few days after treatment when enamel pores are not fully closed.

Smoke cigarettes.

The nicotine in cigarettes gives teeth an unattractive yellow tint. To prevent this kind of staining — and other associated oral health risks — stop smoking altogether after whitening.

Think white teeth mean clean teeth.

A vibrant smile may give off the appearance of good oral health, but it won’t protect your mouth from the plaque and tartar that contributes to tooth decay and gum disease. To keep your smile healthy, you must also visit your dentist every six months for an in-depth cleaning that clears away hard-to-remove plaque and tartar.

If you’re curious about how a professional teeth whitening will enhance your smile, turn to the trusted team at Tri-State Dental Care. Providing comprehensive oral health care in Northern Kentucky and surrounding areas, this practice offers state-of-the-art whitening treatments to brighten your teeth and restore your confidence. Visit this dental care provider online to learn more about these and other cosmetic dentistry solutions that they offer. For appointments, call the friendly Fort Wright, KY, office at (859) 426-2790.