Teeth whitening is a technique that an increasingly larger number of people opt for due to the esthetic benefits of the procedure. If you have undergone such a procedure, you will want to preserve the effects of the treatment for longer. Teeth whitening should be a long term investment and it is up to you to keep your teeth white for longer.
Recommendations after the Procedure
Twenty-four to 48 hours after the teeth whitening procedure, your teeth will be more sensitive and they are more likely to get stained, should you consume certain foods and drinks. You will need to avoid staining foods and drinks during this time.
Stay away from foods and drinks such as:
- Coffee
- Red wine
- Cola
- Black and green tea
- Beets
- Red grapes
- Asparagus
- Other artificially colored foods
It’s best if you keep away from any foods and drinks that are colored. Some dentists will also recommend a liquid diet for one to two days after the procedure and the liquids allowed may include milk, yogurt, water and light colored juices.
Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks
Staining foods and drinks will definitely have a damaging effect on freshly whitened teeth, but even when consumed a long time after the actual whitening procedure, these foods and drinks will leave stains.
If you cannot avoid these foods and drinks, you should make sure that you keep these foods and drinks for a short time in your mouth to minimize the staining effect.
Rinse Regularly
Rinsing regularly with a mouthwash with whitening effect can reduce the risks of staining, even after having consumed foods and drinks that may cause staining.
Use Whitening Paste
Teeth whitening toothpastes cannot remove deep stains, and they won’t have dramatic effects on the color of your teeth. However, when used after a teeth whitening procedure, these toothpastes can have benefits. The toothpaste can remove superficial stains from the surface of the teeth, so even if you drink coffee or red wine and brush your teeth afterwards, you will be able to remove the stains from your teeth. Brush at least twice per day and, if possible, after each meal or snack.
Chew Whitening Gum
Whitening gum will not replace a proper brushing, but may be a temporary solution to protect your teeth after eating a snack, especially when you don’t have your toothbrush at hand.
Use a Straw
If you cannot reduce your cola or coffee consumption, it’s best if you use a straw when drinking, as this will protect your teeth. Ideally, the liquid should not touch your teeth, so that the staining risks are minimal.
Choose Your Lipstick Carefully
The type of lipstick you use may stain your teeth or lead to discoloration, so make sure you choose a lipstick that won’t affect your teeth. Opting for a quality, more expensive lipstick can save your teeth.
