Have you recently had a teeth whitening procedure done? Are you looking for the best advice to keep your teeth white for as long as possible to make the procedure worth the time and money? If this is the case, then this post is a must-read.
Opting for the teeth whitening Mornington Peninsula dentists offer is one of the top dental procedures Australians have done. Essentially this procedure involves lightening the color of your teeth to remove yellowing stains created by continued consumption of certain foods and drinks.
Proper Care Will Ensure a Lasting Result
The number one rule to remember when you’ve had your teeth whitened is that the first 48 hours are crucial to set the treatment. This means you should avoid certain foods and drinks and take special precautions to ensure an effective result. We’ve compiled a list of the top precautions to consider.
1. Avoid Coffee and Tea
While you may think you need your morning caffeine boost to get your day started, you may not have given much thought to the effect this has on your teeth. Since both coffee and tea stain your teeth, it’s a good idea to find a morning boost that’s less damaging. Drinking yogurt, smoothies, fruit juice, water and or plain milk are alternatives worth considering.
2. Reduce Dark Food Sauces
It’s no secret that adding dark, rich, meaty sauces add extra flavour to just about any food dish. Sauces such as red pasta sauce, soy sauce, and barbeque sauce are among the top variations that stain your teeth the most, especially if you have them often.
Avoid the damaging effects of dark food sauces by opting for their light-coloured alternatives. It’s also a good idea to eat more white foods to reduce the likelihood of staining. A few top options that are perfectly safe for your teeth include the following:
- White rice and pasta
- Light coloured cheeses (avoid dark yellow cheddar)
- Cauliflower and other light-coloured veggies
- Eggs
- Whitefish or chicken rather than red meats that require dark sauces
3. Ditch Sour Fruit Juice
Adding fruit and juices to your diet is always a good idea as they have many health benefits. However, some fruit juices such as oranges, lemons, lime, and mandarin can stain your teeth if you’re drinking them often.
Replace your acidic fruit juices with milder options or consider diluting your juice with a little water to reduce the effects on your teeth. Alternate your fruit drinks with milk and yogurt options.
4. Always Use Straws
Another simple, but highly effective way to reduce the damage drinks can do to your teeth is to always use a straw. When you’re using a straw, the liquid will pass through your teeth without lingering on them. Opting for straws also means that you can drink your caffeine and fruit drinks without damaging your teeth as the dinks pass directly down to your throat.
5. Floss and Brush Regularly
It’s essential to floss your teeth at least once a day to remove any food particles that may stick to your teeth as these can create staining if they are left there too long. It’s also a good way to reduce the plaque build-up that happens when food accumulates along your gum line.
Brushing should also happen at least twice daily using regular toothpaste. Avoid using stringent toothpaste or strong mouthwash as these can affect the whitening treatment. You should also use a soft-bristled toothbrush. You can speak to your dentist about the best products for your specific gum and dental requirements.
6. Rinse Your Mouth
Although you may be brushing your teeth twice daily, it will also help if you rinse your mouth after every meal, including eating snacks, and candies, or having drinks. You can mouthwash or simple water as these will both remove food particles from sticking to your teeth.
7. Quit Smoking
Smoking is another culprit for staining your teeth. This means that if you’re going to continue smoking after your whitening treatment, your teeth are likely to start yellowing again sooner than you may have anticipated. Since smoking is bad for your overall health, it may be time to quit. If you’re having trouble ditching a lifelong habit, speak to your local physician for assistance.
They may be able to recommend a treatment that can help you quit or at the very least, reduce the amount of cigarettes you smoke in a day. If you’re not going to quit completely, speak to your dentist about recommending a whitening toothpaste designed to counter the effects of smoking on your teeth.
Final Thoughts
Having your teeth whitened is an excellent way to maintain your teeth and improve your smile. However, for the treatment to be successful, you will need to be disciplined about what you eat and drink.
Be sure to floss and brush your teeth twice daily and increase your water intake as this will help rinse staining food particles out of your mouth. When you get compliments on your shiny new smile, you’ll be glad you made the effort!