Do Whitened Teeth Need Special Care?
Whitened teeth, if given a bleaching treatment in-office, do need to be cared for after the process to ensure that they stay gleaming and bright. Therefore, you need to make a commitment, after you get teeth whitened, to take special care to avoid foods that can discolor or stain your teeth.
What an In-office Whitening Entails
When you have your teeth whitened, you can get a whiter and brighter smile that is at least 5 shades whiter. Therefore, you will love your newfound whiter smile. However, to keep your pearly whites their whitest, you have to forego some beverages and foods, or be careful when you consume them.
What Foods and Drinks Stain and Discolor the Teeth
Foods and drinks that will leave their mark on the teeth include coffee, chocolate, soy sauce, tomato-based foods, wine (both red and white), and foods, such as citrus and dark berries. Therefore, you need to be careful about consuming these foods and drinks, as they can cause your whitened teeth to fade.
If you do eat or drink a food or beverage that adds to problems with staining, make sure you rinse your mouth with water right away. Also, it helps, if you drink coffee, to use a straw. This will direct the liquid toward the back of the mouth so it will not come into contact with your whitened teeth. After you rinse your teeth, wait about an hour before brushing them. You don’t want to brush them right away, as doing so can lead to erosion and cause staining or decay. Therefore, play it safe and wait to brush for about 60 minutes.
You can always opt to eat foods that do not produce stains, such as mashed potatoes, unflavored yogurt, leafy greens, most veggies, and strawberries. Strawberries are the only berries that will not cause stains on the teeth. Also, make sure to avoid sugary snacks and avoid eating hard or crunchy candies. These foods can lead to more severe dental problems, such as cracks or chips – something you don’t want to experience, especially if you have just had your teeth cosmetically whitened.
Routine Care for Whitened Teeth
Make sure you follow a routine of regular dental care as well. Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss at least one a day to keep your bright and white teeth looking their best.
You will find that getting your teeth whitened will make you feel more confident about smiling. Our experienced dental team is always willing to give you answers to any dental questions about teeth whitening services. To schedule an appointment for a dental exam and consultation, contact River Valley Smile Center at 479-646-0706. Make sure to “like” us on Facebook.
