Tips for Making Your Teeth Whitening Treatments Last Longer
It’s no secret that the Zoom! in-office teeth whitening system can dramatically brighten your smile. In just one hour, your smile is up to eight shades brighter! And with results like that, it’s natural to want those results to last as long as possible.
Whitening treatments can remove years of stains, but everyday habits can gradually dull your smile again. The good news is that a few simple changes can help maintain your brighter smile for longer.
Read on as David Blaustein, DDS, and the Chelsea Dental Aesthetics team in New York City share seven tips to keep your pearly whites dazzling.
1. Rinse your mouth after eating foods that stain
Certain foods and beverages are known for staining teeth. Dark pigments in these items can gradually discolor your enamel.
Common culprits include:
- Coffee and tea
- Red wine
- Dark sodas
- Berries
- Tomato-based sauces
- Spices like turmeric
- Soy sauce and balsamic vinegar
You don’t necessarily have to eliminate all these foods. In fact, you shouldn’t eliminate all these foods. Berries, turmeric, and tomatoes provide many health benefits.
If you do enjoy stain-prone foods or drinks, rinse your mouth with water afterward. That helps wash away pigments before they settle into your enamel. Brushing your teeth about 30 minutes after eating or drinking staining foods can also help reduce discoloration.
2. Use a straw
When drinking cold beverages like iced coffee, tea, or soda, using a straw can help reduce contact between the liquid and your teeth. Less contact with staining liquids means fewer opportunities for discoloration.
3. Follow your take-home whitening instructions
If you choose the Zoom! take-home whitening system, follow the instructions carefully to get the best and longest-lasting results.
Take-home whitening uses a professional-strength gel to brighten teeth quickly and effectively. Many people lighten their teeth by several shades in just a few days.
Using the whitening trays and gel exactly as directed helps ensure even whitening while minimizing sensitivity.
4. Schedule regular dental cleanings
Regular cleanings at Chelsea Dental Aesthetics also help maintain your smile by removing buildup that brushing alone can’t reach. Tartar (hardened plaque) is a yellow or brown color, and unfortunately, it can’t be removed at home. It must be removed with specific dental tools.
If you’re due, call our Manhattan office at 917-200-0219 to schedule your next cleaning.
5. Use the right oral care products
Even after professional whitening, your teeth are exposed to everyday stains from food, drinks, and normal wear. Using the right products can help protect your results.
Zoom! whitening toothpaste can help remove surface stains and keep your smile looking bright between treatments. This toothpaste is designed to help maintain whitening results and is available through Chelsea Dental Aesthetics.
6. Consider touch-ups
Dr. Blaustein may recommend occasional touch-ups with Zoom! take-home whitening gel to refresh your results.
7. Quit smoking
Smoking is arguably the fastest way to undo the results of teeth whitening. Tobacco contains compounds that can quickly stain tooth enamel, leaving behind yellow or brown discoloration.
If you’ve recently whitened your teeth, quitting smoking can help protect your results and keep your smile brighter for longer. In addition to improving the appearance of your teeth, stopping smoking also supports better gum health.
Protect your smile investment
If you’re interested in whitening your teeth or maintaining your current results, schedule a visit with Chelsea Dental Aesthetics to learn more about your options.
Call 917-200-0219 or request an appointment online to get started.
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