Nothing makes a better first impression than a healthy smile that shows off gleaming white teeth. With modern social and professional standards rising higher and higher, many more people are undergoing teeth whitening procedures to maintain a bright, radiant smile. Once you’ve invested in the procedure, it’s only natural that you will want to maintain its effects for as long as possible.
For many of our patients in Belmont, Cambridge, and neighboring vicinities in Massachusetts who come to Dental Restorative Group for teeth whitening procedures, we provide a list of tips to help keep their teeth white and bright after a teeth whitening procedure.
No Smoking!
Avoid Smoking After Teeth Whitening
It should go without saying that after a teeth-whitening procedure, Cambridge patients should avoid smoking, as smoking is known to stain teeth. Try sipping on water or chewing on celery sticks instead of smoking, for the sake of your health as well as the gleam in your smile!
Take special care during the first 2 days
The First 48 Hours After Whitening
The first 24-48 hours following your teeth whitening procedure constitute the most critical period during which you must protect your teeth, as the tooth enamel will be vulnerable and sensitive, making your teeth more susceptible to stains caused by certain foods and drinks. It is essential that, during this important period, Cambridge patients avoid substances, as well as foods and drinks that are known to cause staining of tooth enamel.
Food and drinks to avoid
Foods and Drinks That Stain Teeth
The following foods and drinks are known to stain teeth and you should avoid or at least cut back dramatically on their consumption after a teeth whitening procedure:
- Coffee
- Red wine
- Cola and other colored soft drinks
- Black and green tea, as well as some herbal teas, such as chamomile and hibiscus
- Brightly-colored raw vegetables such as beets and asparagus
- Deeply colored fruit such as berries, pomegranates, and red grapes
- Dark chocolate
- Foods or drinks containing artificial colors
Sip through a straw
Sip Staining Drinks Through a Straw
If you choose to indulge in drinks such as wine, colored soft drinks, or coffee, it’s best to use a straw when drinking, to protect your teeth. The more you can keep the liquid from touching your teeth, the more you will reduce the risk of staining your teeth.
Rinse after every meal
Rinsing and Whitening Toothpaste
We recommend that you rinse your mouth thoroughly with a good whitening mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide after each meal. Rinsing regularly with a whitening rinse may reduce the risks of staining, especially if used after consuming foods and drinks that are known to stain teeth.
Whitening Toothpaste
While teeth whitening toothpastes on their own cannot remove deep or set-in stains, nor will they produce dramatic whitening of your teeth, they can be useful when used following a tooth whitening procedure to help maintain the results and remove food and drink stains as they happen, particularly if you brush diligently after every meal.
Whitening Gum
Whitening gum may come in handy when you can’t brush your teeth after a meal or snack that included a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. While chewing whitening gum cannot replace proper brushing, it may temporarily protect your teeth from staining until you can brush properly.
If your teeth look lackluster and dull, a whitening treatment at Dental Restorative Group can restore a brighter smile. Contact our Cambridge office today to learn more at (617) 492-5081.
Related Reading
- 3 Tips to Maintain Teeth Whitening Results
- How Long Will Sensitivity in My Teeth Last After Teeth Whitening?
- 5 Teeth Whitening Mistakes That are Damaging Your Teeth
- Prophy vs. Periodontal Maintenance: What’s the Right Dental Cleaning for You This Summer?
- How Many Shades Whiter Will My Teeth Become After Teeth Whitening?
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I keep my teeth white after a whitening treatment?
Avoid smoking, cut back on staining foods and drinks, sip darker beverages through a straw, rinse your mouth after meals, and use a whitening toothpaste to lift new surface stains. Whitening gum can help when you are not able to brush right away.
What should I avoid eating and drinking after teeth whitening?
Coffee, red wine, colored soft drinks, black, green, and some herbal teas, brightly colored vegetables such as beets and asparagus, deeply colored fruits like berries and pomegranates, dark chocolate, and anything containing artificial colors are all known to stain tooth enamel.
How long do I need to be careful after teeth whitening?
The first 24 to 48 hours are the most critical period. During that window the tooth enamel is vulnerable and sensitive, which makes teeth more susceptible to staining, so avoid the foods, drinks, and substances known to discolor enamel.
Does whitening toothpaste really work?
Whitening toothpastes cannot remove deep or set-in stains on their own, and they will not dramatically change the shade of your teeth. They are useful after a whitening procedure to help maintain results and remove food and drink stains as they happen.
Does smoking stain whitened teeth?
Yes. Smoking is a known cause of tooth staining, so it should be avoided after a whitening procedure. Sipping water or chewing on celery sticks instead can help, and stopping benefits both the gleam in your smile and your overall health.
Does drinking through a straw protect whitened teeth?
It can help. If you choose to indulge in wine, coffee, or colored soft drinks, a straw keeps more of the liquid away from the surfaces of your teeth. The less contact the liquid has, the lower the risk of staining.
