
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.