How to Extend the Results of Teeth Whitening
Did you know that the results of a teeth whitening procedure can last for up to three years? How long the results last depends entirely on how well you take care of your teeth, and if you don’t, this timeline becomes much shorter. So, it’s important to take proper care of your teeth after your whitening treatments.
At Madison Lakes Dental, James Hill, DDS, teeth whitening is one of our most requested procedures. So, we want to make sure that you know how to make the results last longer, so you can have whiter teeth for much longer.
Limit teeth-staining foods
Some foods and beverages can cause major staining on your teeth. So the things that you eat and drink can impact how long the effects of teeth staining last. The foods that are the biggest culprits of teeth staining include:
- Coffee
- Black tea
- Red wine
- Chocolate
- Dark sauces, like soy and tomato-based ones
- Artificially-colored foods
- Berries
We know it’s not realistic to ask you to eliminate these foods completely, so we at least recommend cutting back. It would also be helpful to rinse your teeth with water after eating or drinking any of the above, to keep their staining pigments from setting into your teeth.
Drinking through a straw is also helpful, as this way the staining liquids can avoid contact with your teeth. So, it might be a good idea to switch to iced coffees and teas.
Avoid smoking
Tobacco, tobacco smoke, and tar can also stain your teeth. So, you’ll want to avoid smoking cigarettes and cigars, and any chewing tobacco as well. Smoking can also have other harmful effects on your health and well-being, so it’s best to avoid it in general.
Use at-home products
Talk to us about any strips or gels that we can recommend or prescribe to you. At-home touch-ups can help to extend your results and keep your teeth healthy and white.
Practice proper dental care
Part of keeping your teeth white includes keeping your teeth healthy. To take the best care of your teeth, be sure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss your teeth at least once a day. Additionally, be sure to keep regular dental appointments, once every six months.
To learn more about teeth whitening and to find out if it’s the right treatment option for you, call to make an appointment over the phone, or by using the online booking tool.