Teeth Whitening Aftercare

Young woman smiling

Why Teeth Whitening Aftercare Matters

Professional teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental treatment that can help you achieve a bright, beautiful smile. However, it’s important to understand that the results of your professional teeth whitening treatment aren’t permanent. Without proper maintenance, your teeth can begin to stain and lose their brightness over time. 

Dr. Jarrett Manning has created this helpful guide to ensure you have the tools necessary to increase the longevity of the results of your teeth whitening treatment.

Understanding Teeth Staining

To effectively maintain your professional teeth whitening results, it’s important to understand the causes of teeth staining. By understanding how teeth stain, you can make more informed decisions about the foods and beverages you consume, as well as make adjustments to your oral hygiene routine to keep your teeth clean and healthy.

Some of the most common causes of teeth staining include:

  • Consuming dark-colored foods and beverages
  • Smoking or using other tobacco products
  • Poor oral hygiene practices
  • Aging
  • Certain medications and medical conditions

If you’re ready to get rid of pesky tooth discoloration and achieve that whitened teeth look, contact our dentists in Smyrna and East Point, GA today to schedule your cosmetic dentistry consultation.

Woman pointing to her smile
Woman smiling with beautiful teeth

Tips for Maintaining Teeth Whitening Results

Practice Proper Oral Hygiene

Practicing proper oral hygiene is a crucial part of teeth whitening aftercare. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least once a day, and using an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups can help keep your teeth healthy and bright. 

Our dentist can also provide tips and advice for maintaining your whitening results based on your needs and concerns.

Use a Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste is an effective way to maintain your teeth whitening results. It contains mild abrasives and special ingredients that remove surface stains and prevent new ones from forming. However, if your teeth have significant staining, a touch-up treatment with your dentist may be necessary. Use this toothpaste as directed and avoid overuse to prevent tooth sensitivity or enamel damage.

Be sure to talk to our dentist about the best whitening toothpaste for your needs and how often you should use it to maintain your newly whitened teeth.

Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks

Avoiding foods and drinks that are known to cause staining can help you maintain your teeth-whitening results for longer. Some common staining culprits include coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored berries. If you do consume these foods and drinks, rinse your mouth with water afterward and brush your teeth as soon as possible to minimize staining. 

Additionally, using a straw to drink beverages can help prevent contact with your teeth and reduce the risk of staining.

A woman enthusiastically smiling

Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking can have a significant impact on the brightness of your teeth and overall oral health. The nicotine and tar found in cigarettes can cause yellowing and staining of the teeth, and smoking can also lead to gum disease and other oral health issues. By quitting smoking, you can help prevent further staining and discoloration of your teeth, and improve the overall health of your mouth. 

If you’re struggling to quit smoking, talk to our dentist or healthcare provider for tips and resources to help you quit for good.

Consider Touch-Up Treatments

Over time, your teeth may begin to lose their brightness, even with proper maintenance. If you notice that your teeth are becoming stained or discolored, a touch-up treatment with our dentist can help restore their brightness. Our dentists may use the same professional teeth whitening products or techniques that were used in your initial treatment, or they may recommend a different approach based on your specific needs. 

Depending on the severity of the staining or discoloration, one or more touch-up teeth whitening treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired results. Talk to our dentist about your options for touch-up treatments and how often you should schedule them to maintain your professional teeth whitening results.

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