Teeth whitening works to whiten and brighten the teeth so that you have more confidence in your smile. After you have your teeth whitened, there are certain things to do and avoid to maintain your results. It is important to protect your teeth following this procedure.
What to Eat and Not Eat
Once you have your teeth whitened, for about 10 to 14 days, you want to stick to foods that will not stain your teeth. The following are ideal items that are healthy and will not stain:
- Chicken or fish
- Potatoes
- Pears
- Pasta
- Almonds
- Peanuts
- Chickpeas
- Dairy products
- Rice
- Eggs
- Bananas
- Tofu
- Cashews
- Sunflower seeds
- Cauliflower
The key is to look for foods that are not dark in color. You also want to avoid any foods that contain natural or artificial dyes as these can cause staining. The following foods are ones you want to avoid for the first 10 to 14 days:
- Coffee or dark teas
- Colored soft drinks and juices
- Tomatoes, citrus fruits or apples
- Chewing gum
- Dark vegetables, such as spinach or carrots
- Ketchup, is ketchup a smoothie though – find out here.
- Curry, paprika or other dark spices
- Chocolate
If you experience tooth sensitivity following this procedure, be careful about foods that are too hot or cold for the first couple weeks following teeth whitening. Foods that are sweet should also be limited to avoid sensitivity issues. It is a good idea to talk to your dentist to learn more about the foods to eat and avoid after you have your teeth whitened.
Listen to Your Dentist
Your dentist such as a msdcwagga.com.au dentist, will provide you with aftercare instructions once you have your teeth whitened. It is important that you follow their instructions exactly.
They might recommend dental hygiene products that are ideal after teeth whitening. For example, some people experience mild tooth sensitivity after the whitening procedure. They might suggest that you use a sensitive tooth toothpaste temporarily to prevent this issue.
They will often give you a list of foods to avoid, such as the one above, so that you do not stain your teeth. The dentist will also give you some basic dental hygiene guidelines to help you to protect your teeth and their new color.
Do Not Smoke
Tobacco is a major cause of tooth stains. Your teeth are porous just like your skin. When you smoke a cigarette, the tar in the tobacco gets into the pores and the teeth essentially absorb it. This is what causes your teeth to become yellow. With continued smoking, the teeth can turn a brown color.
Regular cigarettes and electronic cigarettes can cause staining. Chewing tobacco can also be problematic because it also contains the tar that can result in teeth staining.
Allow for Remineralization
When you have your teeth whitened, you want to give them some time to relax and remineralize before you go back to your dental hygiene routine. On average, you should avoid brushing your teeth for 30 minutes after this procedure.
Your dentist will give you some guidelines about brushing and how long you should wait. They will also likely caution you against eating or drinking anything for a short time until you are able to brush your teeth.
Use the Right Dental Hygiene Products
Following teeth whitening, your dentist will likely recommend certain products that are ideal for protecting your teeth after this procedure. In general, you want to avoid products that are colored, such as blue or green mouthwash or toothpaste.
Your dentist will likely suggest that you use a toothpaste with fluoride in it. This ingredient helps to protect your enamel. Enamel protection is always important, but especially after someone has their teeth whitened. Fluoride will also protect against cavities so that you can maintain a healthy smile.
Follow a Strict Dental Hygiene Routine
You want to do what you can to maintain the whiteness of your teeth long-term so that you do not have to whiten them often. Good dental hygiene is the best way to do this. You should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day to keep them clean and to help remove surface stains. Your dentist might recommend a whitening toothpaste.
Use mouthwash after your brush your teeth to help rinse away bacteria and debris. Before you brush, you should floss your teeth to remove food and other debris that can get stuck between them.
Check Your Health
There are certain medical conditions that can contribute to teeth staining. For example, pregnant women may experience tooth discoloration since their growing baby takes nutrients. This could result in issues with the woman’s enamel, making her more vulnerable to teeth staining.
After teeth whitening, you should also avoid medications that might stain your teeth if this is possible. Examples include doxycycline and tetracycline, both of which are antibiotics. The doctor may be able to prescribe an alternative after you get your teeth whitened. At least for the first couple of weeks after the procedure.
People with health issues that affect their teeth should talk to their dentist. The dentist can provide information about how to protect the teeth against staining and other oral health issues.
Using this information, it will be easier to keep your teeth bright and white for as long as possible. This information will also help you to prevent staining your teeth. Using this knowledge, you will work toward healthier teeth too.
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