How to Maintain Teeth Whitening at Home
Teeth whitening from a dentist, one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments, offers a brighter smile in a short amount of time. After a whitening procedure, maintaining the results at home is key to keeping your smile vibrant. With good habits and professional guidance, you can maximize your investment in your radiant new smile.
Why see a dentist for teeth whitening?
Compared to store-bought whitening products, dentists can generally produce the safest and most effective results. Leading benefits of professional teeth whitening from a dentist include the following:
- Customized treatment
- Even whitening
- Minimal risk of sensitivity
- Safe dentist-approved material
- Lasting results
Additionally, professional treatments help set the stage for easier at-home maintenance by providing strong advice for maintaining one's results and keeping teeth white.
Tips for maintaining teeth whitening at home
How long a whiter smile lasts depends on the patient's commitment to keeping it that way. A dentist may make different recommendations depending on each unique patient. However, the following tips apply to almost everyone.
Practice good oral hygiene
It sounds simple, but good old-fashioned brushing and flossing are some of the most important steps. Brushing twice daily and flossing once daily removes plaque and prevents stains from building up. Use a whitening toothpaste recommended by a dentist to keep teeth looking their best.
Limit stain-causing foods and drinks
Coffee, tea, red wine, and sodas can quickly dull the smile. Foods such as berries and tomato-based sauces contribute to staining as well. Therefore, those who consume these items should use a straw for drinks or rinse their mouth with water afterward to minimize contact with their teeth.
Avoid smoking and tobacco products
Here is yet another reason to ditch the tobacco habit: smoking and tobacco use are major contributors to yellowing and discoloration. Avoiding these habits is beneficial for overall oral and general health and maintaining that bright new smile.
Drink enough water
Another thing that is good for both general health and the teeth is hydration. Drinking plenty of water helps wash away staining agents and bacteria, keeping your teeth clean and bright. Water also neutralizes acids in the mouth that can erode enamel and make teeth more susceptible to discoloration.
Use touch-up kits
Many dentists provide take-home whitening kits as part of their professional teeth whitening services. These kits include customized trays and whitening gel that can be used periodically to refresh the smile at home.
The role of regular dental visits
Even with diligent at-home care, regular dental visits are essential for maintaining teeth whitening results. At these visits, the dentist will clean the patient's teeth to remove surface stains and assess their oral health to ensure that their teeth remain healthy and bright. These check-ups also provide an opportunity to discuss any concerns about discoloration or touch-up treatments.
Keep your smile bright
Maintaining teeth whitening results at home requires a commitment to good oral hygiene and healthy habits. Trusting a professional dentist for your whitening treatment ensures the best possible results, giving you the tools to protect your brighter smile. Call today to schedule a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://sanramondds.com or call DM Dentistry at (925) 230-9569 for an appointment in our San Ramon office.
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