Teeth discoloration affects many individuals, and they can seek cosmetic dental treatment to restore the whiteness of their smile. Dentists can complete professional teeth whitening in one appointment. In this process, a dentist will apply a gel to your teeth and then use concentrated light to activate the whitening agents. Once you are happy with the color of your teeth, you will want these effects to last as long as possible.
Dr. Sahil Goyal, a dentist in Frederick, MD, offers advice to ensure your teeth stay bright after a professional whitening treatment.
Avoid staining agents
Tooth yellowing, staining, or discoloring can occur for various reasons. Some of these are outside of a patient’s control, including age or medication side effects. However, discoloration can also happen due to staining agents in substances we put in our mouths, even after a professional whitening treatment.
Dark-colored foods and drinks can be absorbed into tooth enamel and leave stains. These substances include red wine, coffee, and tea. They should be avoided or enjoyed in moderation to maintain the white appearance of cosmetically enhanced teeth.
Practice good oral hygiene
Proper oral hygiene practices can strengthen enamel and get rid of potential agents that can stain your teeth. This entails brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily. For ideal results, flossing should be done in the evening to remove plaque between your teeth that develops throughout the day.
Rinsing with mouthwash can eliminate bacteria from spots in your mouth that are difficult to reach with traditional brushing. Removing plaque promptly prevents it from calcifying into tartar on your teeth and causing tooth decay. Healthy teeth can retain the effects of professional teeth whitening longer.
Visit dentist regularly
Part of a good oral hygiene routine includes regular visits to your dentist. During these appointments, your dentist can clean plaque and tartar from your teeth to keep them healthy and therefore looking their best. Your dentist can also apply fluoride treatment during these visits to strengthen enamel.
This allows your teeth to resist staining better. You can also speak to your dentist about whitening touch-up appointments. Professional whitening effects can last for up to six months with proper maintenance.