If you have discolored or stained teeth, you might be interested in improving their appearance. Professional whitening can brighten teeth by several shades, giving you a sparkling smile that will increase your confidence. Following the procedure, you’ll need to prioritize oral hygiene to prolong the results. Here’s how to preserve your tooth whitening treatment.

Do:

Brush and floss regularly.

Continue your regimen of brushing twice and flossing once daily. Use an antibacterial mouthwash to remove food residue from your teeth.

Use a toothbrush with soft bristles that won’t leave scratches that make it easier for stains to settle in. Brush with a paste that has a high fluoride content to strengthen the enamel. Don’t use mouthwash or toothpaste with artificial coloring, as it may cause stains. 

Avoid certain foods and beverages.

Coffee, tea, chocolate, and red wine are heavily pigmented, making them more likely to stain teeth. Additionally, limit your intake of acidic foods and drinks that deteriorate enamel, such as soy sauce, tomato sauce, and citrus. 

Consume light-colored foods and beverages, and drink from a straw to limit contact between beverages and your teeth. Brush and floss shortly after eating and drinking items known to cause stains. 

Don’t:

Forget touchups and follow-up appointments. 

The dentist will provide you with custom trays made from impressions or molds of your mouth. They’ll also give you a professional-strength tooth whitening solution to put into the trays for touchups every six months. Make appointments with your cosmetic dentistry provider around the same time to monitor your progress. 

Smoke or chew tobacco for 24 hours. 

After whitening, your teeth need time to remineralize, which is the process by which enamel strengthens as a result of the calcium, phosphate, and fluoride in saliva. Wait to smoke or chew tobacco for at least 24 hours to prevent tar from seeping into teeth that have been demineralized by the tooth whitening procedure.

When you’re ready to enjoy a brighter smile, get tooth whitening treatment from Brian Perelmuter, DMD, P.C. This practice provides general, emergency, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry to clients throughout Naugatuck, CT, and the surrounding areas. Call (203) 729-3323 to schedule an appointment, or visit the website to learn more about how they can keep your teeth, mouth, and gums healthy.