Have you already had your teeth professional whitened or are you thinking about it? Thousands of people are now taking advantage of this advancement in cosmetic dentistry. You can now feel more confident with a bright, white smile that is sure to turn heads! Whether you’ve already had professional teeth whitening done or you’re considering it, aftercare and upkeep is essential. While getting your teeth whitened can help immensely, there are things you can do in between to keep your smile bright and look its best. Look below for our top 5 easy tips for maintaining your professional teeth whitening.
Tips for Maintaining Your Professional Teeth Whitening
Once you have had your teeth whitened by a dentist in the office, there are some important steps you can take to ensure the longevity of the results. Below you’ll find the top 5 tips (in no particular order) for oral care after professional teeth whitening. These tips will help extend the results of your whitening and make it last longer.
1. Use a Tooth Whitening Toothpaste Weekly
Once a week you can use a whitening toothpaste to help maintain your beautiful bright smile. These toothpastes can be abrasive, so be sure not to overuse them. You can ask your dentist to recommend a brand or find one at the store or online. Popular options include toothpaste with hydrogen peroxide, charcoal, and silica. These kinds of toothpaste should only be used sparingly, once or twice a week. For what toothpaste you should regularly be using, keep reading.
2. Avoid Products & Food That Stain Your Teeth
Research shows that people who avoid these teeth-staining foods, beverages, and products can extend the whitening effect for as long as one year. While people who regularly consume these items without following proper protection, can need a refresh in as little as one month.
Things to Avoid to Maintain Whiter Teeth:
- Smoking
- Red Wine
- Coffee & Tea
- Soda/Soft Drinks
- Fruit Juices
- Curry
- Soy Sauce
While you don’t have to avoid everything on the list (other than smoking, try to quit if you can), they should be consumed in moderation. Plus, there are some additional steps you can take to avoid staining. These include drinking through a straw and brushing or rinsing after consuming.
3. Get a Professional Take-Home Whitening Kit
If you need a boost of tooth whitening in between in-office visits, ask your dentist about a professional take-home whitening kit. These professional sets are stronger and safer than what you’ll find in stores and online. They are the perfect tool to use to keep your smile bright and white in-between visits.
4. Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings
This may seem like an obvious tip but many people forget it. While daily brushing and flossing is necessary to maintain optimal oral health, regular cleanings offer more than you’re able to do on your own. We suggest getting a dental cleaning on a regular basis, ask your dentist for a personalized recommendation on how often to schedule cleanings for an optimal smile. This will not only ensure a healthy mouth but it can also help keep your teeth whiter for longer.
5. Use a Regular Toothpaste with Baking Soda
While we recommend using a whitening toothpaste around once or twice a week, for regular brushing look for a toothpaste with baking soda. Baking soda has been used as a home remedy to whiten teeth for decades. However, research has shown baking soda does actually help! Recent studies have concluded that toothpaste with baking soda in them remove stains more effectively than other toothpastes. So, for your regular toothpaste, look for something with baking soda to keep your smile bright after your tooth whitening.
Get Long-Lasting Results with Professional Teeth Whitening
When you’re looking for a brighter, whiter, and healthier smile, teeth whitening can help. While there are many over-the-counter remedies, you’ll find that you get better, more long-lasting results with professional teeth whitening. Look into cosmetic dentistry today to feel happier and more confident about your smile!
Where Do I Find a Cosmetic Dentist Near Me?
If you’re asking yourself where can I find a cosmetic dentist near me? We suggest looking on Facebook, Google, and more. Seek out a dentist with a website, good ratings, and someone you can reach out to if you have questions. If you’re in Florida and need a Palm Bay dentist, look no further than River Oak Dental. We are a leader in the field and specialize in quality cosmetic dentistry. Feel free to give us a call at any time or schedule an appointment now to get started.
