How to Extend the Results of Your Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment

Your smile makes a big impression on everyone you meet, so it makes sense you want to do all you can to keep it looking its best. That’s where professional teeth whitening treatments can help. 

At DNTL Studio in Upland, California, Valay Desai, DDS, and Prashant Amin, DDS, offer in-office teeth whitening treatments featuring the most advanced products for dramatic improvements in your smile. In this post, learn some simple ways to maintain your beautiful results, so you can enjoy your whiter, brighter smile for as long as possible.

1. Prepare beforehand

Whitening works best when the whitening agents are able to penetrate your tooth enamel consistently. If your teeth are coated in plaque or tartar, those agents won’t work nearly as well.

That’s why it’s important to schedule a cleaning right before your whitening treatment — typically the same day. Professional cleaning gets rid of plaque and tartar deposits on your tooth surfaces and between teeth, too, for better penetration and results.

2. Know which foods (and drinks) cause stains

A lot of stains develop over time as your teeth are exposed to foods and drinks containing dark pigments (either natural or artificial). Some potential culprits include red wine, coffee, blueberries, tea, and colorful spices like turmeric. 

Foods and drinks high in acids can temporarily weaken your tooth enamel, making it easier for pigments to penetrate. These include sodas and sports drinks, citrus fruits and juices, and tomato products.

Many of these foods are important for good health, so you don’t want to completely eliminate them from your diet. Instead, knowing which foods and drinks can increase the risk of stains can help you take extra care when brushing and flossing before bed.

3. Rinse after eating or drinking

Another way to lower the risk of stains from foods and drinks is to rinse your mouth with warm water after meals or snacks. Rinsing helps wash away staining pigments and acids that can soften your enamel. 

Think brushing is better? In this case, it’s probably not. That’s because eating and drinking can temporarily soften enamel, which means brushing is more likely to cause damage. If you need to brush instead of rinsing, wait about a half hour before doing so.

4. Don’t smoke or use tobacco

Tobacco products contain chemicals that weaken your tooth enamel and byproducts that stain your teeth. That includes smoking tobacco and chewing tobacco. Interestingly, even vaping may cause or contribute to tooth staining if the vape product contains nicotine, coloring agents, or additives high in acids.

5. Use whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes

Although over-the-counter whitening products alone won’t give you the results you’re looking for, they can help maintain the results of your professional whitening treatment. There are literally dozens of products on the market. To find the right products for your oral health needs, ask your dentist for recommendations during your visit.

6. Schedule regular cleanings

Finally, don’t skip your regular dental cleanings. During your cleaning, we use special tools to remove plaque and tartar, helping your teeth and gums stay healthy while also limiting staining and revealing your whiter, brighter smile. Each cleaning ends with a gentle polishing, so you can feel proud flashing your pearly whites.

Enjoy your most beautiful smile

Professional teeth whitening is an investment in your smile, but it’s also an investment in your confidence. To find out how professional whitening can improve your smile or to schedule a whitening treatment, call DNTL Studio or book online today.