How to Prolong the Effects of Teeth Whitening

A sparkling, white smile can be one goal for many Australians. Good thing modern dentistry has made a solution to people’s problems—teeth whitening. Now, if you have done a teeth whitening session before, you might have asked your dentist, “how can I make my teeth whitening last long?” 

The good news is you just need a few lifestyle adjustments! Of course, don’t forget to pair it with a consistent oral hygiene routine. Let’s discuss more about them, so you can enjoy your teeth whitening longer.

Understanding Teeth Whitening and Staining

Before getting into the nitty gritty maintenance tips, let’s revisit how teeth whitening works and why staining occurs. Teeth whitening products have chemicals that whiten our teeth’s enamel. These chemicals could either be hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. And every time we finish our whitening session, we go back to our normal lives—eating and doing whatever we want. Just with a whiter set of teeth.

But let’s be honest—not all we eat and do are actually good for whitened teeth. While we may overlook it, some of these can actually stain our teeth. Over time, these stains can accumulate due to various factors, including:

• Diet: Dark-coloured beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine can stain our teeth. Let’s face it, some of us have these as our weaknesses. These beverages may contain chromogens, which are pigment molecules that stick to the teeth. Other certain foods could also stain the teeth, like berries and tomato sauce.
• Smoking and Tobacco Use: Tobacco products contain tar and nicotine. These chemicals are known to stain the teeth, causing overall yellowing.
• Medication: Some medications can cause tooth discolouration. Examples of these are those containing iron or tetracycline.
• Age: It’s true that we can never escape ageing. As we age, our teeth’s dentine becomes denser naturally, making the teeth more yellow in the process.  In addition to this, habits such as drinking acidic drinks like lemon water and soft drinks can cause the tooth enamel to thin, once again making the yellow inner dentine layer more visible.   

Essential Practices to Maintain Your Bright Smile

The main culprits have now been exposed! It’s time to learn how we can shield our teeth from them. Here are some essential practices you can do to maintain the effects of your teeth whitening treatment:

Brushing and Flossing for Lasting Whiteness

Brushing

Nothing still beats the power of brushing your teeth. Save your teeth from getting those stains by consistently brushing. As usual, brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush to help remove food particles and debris.

Choosing the right toothpaste

This can be a bit controversial we’ve found that whitening toothpastes do not help in making the teeth whiter.  Whitening toothpastes are generally much more abrasive and can hasten the process of making your enamel thinner.  In addition to this, many people who are unhappy with the colour of their teeth don’t actually have much surface stain on the teeth.  The yellowing colour is actually coming from within the tooth.  So if they want the teeth to look whiter, they need a whitening treatment which will whiten the tooth from inside.  

Cleaning in between the teeth

Using interdental brushes daily removes plaque and food particles. When these particles are not plucked out, they can harbour stain-causing bacteria between your teeth. And these can cause serious problems. Cleaning in between the teeth not only improves overall oral health but also prevents hidden areas from becoming discoloured.

Minimising Staining Foods and Drinks

You don’t have to avoid all your favourite treats. But being mindful of their staining potential can help you experience lasting teeth whitening. Do some of these:

• Enjoy Staining Foods in Moderation: We know some of us cannot resist a cup of coffee or a glass of red wine. If you can’t, try to limit your intake and rinse your mouth with water afterwards. 
• Use a Straw: Use a straw when consuming staining beverages, so your teeth can minimise contact with them. Less contact means less teeth staining.
• Rinse with Water: Rinse your mouth with water after meals and throughout the day. This helps wash away food particles and prevent staining.

Avoiding Smoking and Tobacco Use

One of the worst enemies of whitened teeth—smoking and tobacco. These are not only detrimental to your overall health but also a major contributor to teeth staining. If you want lasting teeth whitening, try to avoid or quit smoking entirely. It is the single most effective way to prevent future staining and maintain the results of your teeth whitening treatment.

Regular Dental Checkups

A regular dental hygiene routine at home is a powerful tool to fight off stains. But do not forget the importance of professional cleanings. Biannual checkups at Whitehorse Dental can help you remove deep-seated stains from your teeth. We can ensure your oral health is in optimal condition.

Additional Tips for Lasting Teeth Whitening

Consider Touch-Up Treatments

Teeth whitener treatments will depend on the type of teeth whitening you receive and your lifestyle habits. Your dentist might recommend teeth whitening touch-ups every few years. Consult your dentist at Whitehorse Dental to discuss the best approach for you.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables not only benefits your overall health but also promotes good oral hygiene. Crunchy fruits and vegetables can act as natural tooth cleansers—like apples and carrots.

Keeping Your Teeth White and Healthy

Clean and sparkling, white teeth can be a good sight to see, especially when maintained well. Following these simple and effective tips can help you whiten your teeth for a long time. Maybe even more than teeth-whitening products! 

Looking for teeth whitening treatments in Blackburn, VIC? Contact our qualified dentists today at Whitehorse Dental. Our experienced team can guide you through the process and answer any questions you might have. Schedule a consultation and discuss the best teeth whitening options for you.