How to Extend the Results of Teeth Whitening

Do you want to improve your smile with a whitening treatment? You aren’t alone. Professional teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic treatment for tooth discoloration.

It’s quick, easy, and you see the results right away. But teeth whitening treatments only last for so long. Many outside factors, like what you eat and drink, can easily form stains on your teeth again.

Our team of cosmetic dentistry experts at Nataly Vilderman, DDS share how to make the most out of your teeth whitening treatment.

Cut back on coffee and red wine

It’s okay to enjoy a morning cup of joe or an evening glass of red wine, just not after having your teeth whitened. Coffee and wine are the biggest culprits of tooth staining. We recommend avoiding them (which is hard, we know) for at least a week after your whitening treatment.

Other foods and drinks to avoid

Darker foods and drinks have heavy staining properties. Dr. Nataly Vilderman recommends avoiding these foods after you whiten your teeth:

Anything that’s acidic can also affect your results. Bleaching teeth makes them sensitive for a short time, and acidic foods can irritate them more. They also thin your enamel, which makes dentin, the yellow layer under your enamel, show.

Sip through a straw

If you love your coffee or red wine, we don’t expect you to cut it completely. Instead, drink it through a straw. This can keep staining properties in drinks off the surface of your teeth. 

Also, make sure you swish water around in your mouth after drinking a stain-causing beverage. It can prevent staining properties from settling on your teeth. And always brush after meals, especially if the beverage is acidic.

Touch-ups

Using whitening products at home can help prevent stubborn stains from forming. However, certain over-the-counter products can harm your teeth. 

Although the concentration of bleaching agents is lower, improper use can damage your teeth or gums. Ask Dr. Vilderman for a list of products you can use at home.

Good oral hygiene

The best way to keep your teeth white is basic oral hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing removes plaque and keeps your enamel strong and healthy.

Routine cleanings and check-ups at Nataly Vilderman, DDS, located in San Francisco, California, can keep your teeth strong, healthy, and white. To learn more about our professional teeth whitening, use our online booking tool to schedule your appointment, or call our office.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Straighten Your Teeth Without Anyone Knowing

Do you want to straighten your teeth, but you’re not a fan of metal braces? If you’re looking to straighten your teeth without anyone knowing, read on. We’ve got the solution for you.

Signs It’s Time to Consider Dental Implants

If you have missing teeth and have aesthetic and functional concerns, you’ve likely considered your options. But have you considered dental implants? Here are some top signs it’s time to consider them again.

Causes of a Gummy Smile

If your smile shows more of your gums than you would like, it’s a fixable problem. Learn more about the causes of — and solutions for — a gummy smile.

Warning Signs Your Oral Health Is In Danger

Toothaches are widely recognized as a sign of an oral health problem — but there are lots of other signs, too. Recognizing the seven signs listed here can help you get treatment before serious problems develop.

What's Staining My Teeth?

Professional teeth whitening is an effective, fast, and safe method for improving your smile. Choosing professional teeth whitening provides brighter, more accurate, and long-term results than store-bought strips.