Getting your teeth professionally whitened can really brighten up your smile, but keeping your teeth pearly white after whitening treatments requires some effort on your part. Here are some helpful tips to keep your teeth looking their whitest long after you leave the dentist's chair.
Book Follow-Up Whitening Appointments
Most professional whitening treatments last anywhere from a few months to a year or two. To maintain the results, schedule follow-up teeth whitening appointments with your dentist in Grande Prairie about once per year, or as recommended. Annual whitening touch-ups will keep your smile sparkling.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing twice a day and flossing once daily will help prevent stains from forming on your teeth after whitening treatments. Be sure to brush for two minutes each time, angling the toothbrush bristles towards your gums to remove plaque. Floss gently between each tooth. Regular cleanings and checkups with your Grande Prairie dentist every 6 months are also important for stain prevention.
Limit Staining Foods and Drinks
Coffee, tea, red wine, berries, tomato sauce, curry and other deeply pigmented foods and drinks can quickly stain your pearly whites after whitening. Limit consumption of staining culprits and be sure to rinse your mouth with water after consuming them. If you do indulge in staining foods or drinks, try to consume them with a meal instead of on an empty stomach.
Quit Smoking
Smoking introduces yellow-brown stains on teeth and reverses the effects of teeth whitening. Kicking the habit is the best way to keep your smile bright. Your dentist near you can suggest smoking cessation aids and programs to help you quit.
Use Whitening
Toothpaste Look for toothpastes containing gentle polishing or whitening agents, like baking soda or hydrogen peroxide. Avoid abrasive toothpastes, as too much scrubbing can damage enamel. Brush gently with a whitening toothpaste twice per day.
Drink Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, which helps rinse away stains from food and drinks. Swish water around your mouth after eating or drinking something staining. Drinking water also boosts saliva flow, which naturally helps clean teeth.
Consider At-Home Whiteners
Your Grande Prairie dentist may suggest using at-home whitening trays or strips in between in-office whitening treatments. These products allow you to maintain whitening between dental visits. Follow product instructions carefully.
Protect Teeth from Stains
If you're exposed to heavy staining, protect teeth by sipping drinks through a straw to minimize contact with teeth. Rinse your mouth with water right after consuming something staining. Chew sugar-free gum to produce more saliva for washing away stains.
Get Dental Sealants Applied
Ask your dentist in Grande Prairie about clear dental sealants that act as a protective barrier over teeth, shielding them from cavities and stains. Sealants last several years and are typically applied to molars.
Avoid Darkly Pigmented Foods Before Special Occasions
A day or two before a big event, minimize teeth staining by avoiding coffee, berries, tomato sauce, soy sauce, curries and other dark foods. Opt for lighter fare to keep your smile gleaming for photos.
See Your Dentist Regularly
Keep up with your professional cleanings and checkups every 6 months. Your dentist will remove hardened plaque and stains, polish away surface stains and recommend touch-up whitening when needed. Regular dental visits are key for stain-free, pearly whites.
By following these tips diligently after your teeth whitening treatment in Grande Prairie, you can preserve your bright, beautiful smile for years to come. Be sure to continue your regular dental visits with your trusted dentist in Grande Prairie for cleanings, whitening touch-ups and oral exams to keep your teeth their whitest and healthiest. With proper oral care, your dazzling smile will last.
Address: 10104 97 Ave #102, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 7X6, Canada
