How to Make the Most of Your Teeth Whitening

If you have severely stained or yellow teeth, at-home teeth whitening treatments can only brighten your smile so far. Staying on top of your brushing and flossing routine is good but won’t do much for deep stains. What will transform your smile is getting professional teeth whitening. 

However, after you’ve whitened your teeth, you should know that they won’t stay as white as when you got out of the dentist’s chair if you don’t take proper care of them. Maintaining that post-whitening gleam requires some effort and good habits.

At OneSource Dental of South Tampa in Tampa, Florida, Nancy Horton, DMD, our lead dentist, recommends professional whitening treatments every 6 to 12 months, depending on your lifestyle and habits. However, you can significantly extend the time between treatments with the right care.

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making the most of your teeth whitening, from what to expect after your treatment to tips for keeping your smile brighter for longer.

Is professional teeth whitening for you?

Walk into your local pharmacy, and you’ll likely see dozens of at-home teeth whitening kits on its shelves. While these kits can make some difference, if you have very yellow teeth or significant stains, you’re better off getting professional whitening done. 

Whether your teeth have become discolored from coffee, wine, tobacco, or aging, our in-office treatments can remove stubborn stains and brighten your smile in just one session.

However, you should know that teeth whitening isn’t permanent. Knowing how to make the most of your treatment is essential to enjoy the results for as long as possible before needing a touch-up. 

What to do in the first 48 hours

The first two days following your treatment are crucial. During this time, your teeth can stain more easily, undoing all the effort you’ve put in even before you’ve had a chance to enjoy it. 

Avoid dark-colored foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and tomato sauce. And, if you absolutely have to drink something that could stain your teeth, use a straw to protect your teeth.

Smoking is already bad for your health, and tobacco (whether you smoke it or chew it) can yellow your teeth, so protecting your teeth is another reason to quit this habit.  

Everyday tips to maintain your smile 

After the critical 48-hour period, there are several habits you can adopt to help keep your teeth white for as long as possible. The following tips are easy to follow and keep your teeth looking great between visits.

Brush twice a day with a whitening toothpaste

After your professional whitening, switching to a whitening toothpaste is an excellent idea. Whitening toothpastes contain gentle abrasives that help remove surface stains, protecting your teeth from losing it’s brightness.

Floss daily 

Plaque builds up when you don’t floss regularly, which can lead to discoloration over time. Flossing removes leftover food and bacteria that can cause staining.

Rinse after eating or drinking certain foods 

It isn't always possible to avoid dark-colored foods and drinks, especially long-term. However, rinsing your mouth with water immediately after consuming them can minimize staining.

Stay hydrated 

Drinking plenty of water helps to wash away food particles and bacteria that can lead to staining. Sipping water with your wine or berries dilutes the staining agents and gives your teeth a fighting chance at staying white.

Regular dental cleanings

Even if you’re diligent with at-home care, you’ll still need to visit us regularly for cleanings to remove tartar and surface stains. Dr. Horton recommends coming in for professional cleanings every six months to maintain your teeth.

Make the most of your professional teeth whitening by developing good oral hygiene habits, making healthy lifestyle choices, and keeping up with dental visits. Following the tips above can keep your pearly whites sparkling for months, if not years, before needing a touch-up.

Schedule your teeth whitening appointment with us today or call 813-879-9299.