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Teeth whitening uses special techniques to lift away years of stains, leaving your smile whiter, brighter, and healthier in about an hour. Once your teeth look their best, you want to do all you can to maintain those results, and that means taking a few extra steps to avoid yellowing or discoloration in the future.
Richard Blackburn, DMD, MA, is a leading provider of advanced teeth whitening solutions for patients at Volterra Dental. If a whitening treatment is in your future, here’s what you can do to keep those dazzling results for as long as possible.
1. Schedule a tooth cleaning first
Professional teeth whitening uses gels applied to your tooth surfaces to penetrate your tooth surface and break apart staining pigments. If you have plaque or tartar on your teeth, the whitening agent won’t penetrate as well, so you may not get the desired results.
Having your teeth professionally cleaned before your whitening treatment removes plaque and tartar so the whitening gel can do its job. Dr. Blackburn also examines your teeth for tiny cracks or other issues that could cause tooth sensitivity during whitening. Repairing these issues first reduces sensitivity while enhancing your overall results (and protecting your oral health, too).
2. Know what causes stains
Tooth discoloration, yellowing, or dinginess are often caused by our habits—for instance, using tobacco products or indulging in foods or drinks containing tooth-staining pigments or enamel-eroding acids.
Of course, many of the foods that contribute to staining have health benefits, too — acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes, for instance, or deeply pigmented foods, like berries. You certainly don’t need to avoid these foods and beverages, but you can take some steps to reduce the risk of staining.
Rinsing your mouth thoroughly after eating or drinking is a great way to remove residues from foods and beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine. (Brushing right after meals should be avoided since it can damage your enamel and worsen stains.) Using a straw when drinking dark-colored or acidic beverages can also help.
And, of course, if you use tobacco products, kicking the habit is a great way to reduce future tooth stains and improve your oral health (and your overall health) in other ways, too. You can find support to help you quit at www.SmokeFree.gov.
3. Brush and floss using the right technique
One of the simplest and most essential ways to maintain your beautiful results is to brush your teeth twice daily and at least once a day, ideally before bed. Using a soft-bristled brush helps eliminate food particles and residues that cause stains. For flossing, choose regular string floss or a flossing tool, or opt for a water flosser if it works better for you.
It’s also important to use the correct technique. This site offers tips for proper brushing and teaches the best ways to floss. Regular brushing and flossing eliminate sticky plaque deposits that trap staining pigments and increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.
4. Incorporate at-home products
In-office teeth whitening is far more effective than over-the-counter whitening products, but whitening toothpastes and rinses have their place, too. You can use these products in combination with professional whitening treatments to help maintain your results even longer. Dr. Blackburn can recommend products that are ideal for your needs.
5. Keep those regular cleaning appointments
Finally, make sure you don’t skip your twice-yearly dental checkups. During these appointments, we clean your teeth using special mild abrasives and tools designed to get rid of plaque and tartar deposits and lift away superficial stains. Every cleaning visit includes a special polishing to help your teeth look shiny and healthy.
Enjoy your whiter, brighter smile
Whiter teeth look healthier, more attractive, and more youthful, too. To learn more about professional teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry treatments that can help your smile look its best, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Blackburn and the team at Volterra Dental in Los Alamitos, California, today.