Patients with yellowed, stained, or discolored teeth can find a cosmetic solution with professional teeth whitening. In-office whitening treatment involves your dentist applying bleaching gel to your teeth and using concentrated light to activate whitening agents. You should see an enhanced smile within an hour or two. Once you have cosmetically treated your teeth, you will want to preserve the effects for as long as possible. The dentists at Brighter Smile Family Dentistry & Orthodontics in Sterling, VA offer tips to keep your teeth bright after a professional whitening treatment.
Avoid substances that stain
Teeth staining can occur for reasons beyond a patient’s control, such as aging or medication side effects. Discoloration can also come from substances we put in our mouths that contain staining agents. Dark-colored foods and beverages, like coffee, tea, and red wine, can have tannins that absorb into tooth enamel and stain your teeth, even after a professional whitening treatment. Drinks like these should be avoided or enjoyed in moderation to ensure cosmetic enhancements are long-lasting.
Practice good oral hygiene
Proper oral hygiene habits will keep your mouth clean and healthy. Bacteria in your mouth leaves a film of plaque on your teeth over time. It is important to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to remove this plaque. Ideally, flossing should be done at night to get rid of plaque that develops throughout the day. Rinsing with mouthwash will eliminate bacteria from places in your mouth that are difficult to reach with brushing. If left untreated, plaque can cause tooth decay or gum disease. A strong environment like this will be able to maintain cosmetic enhancement effects after a professional dental treatment.
Visit your dentist
Regular dental appointments are part of a good oral hygiene routine. During these visits, your dentist thoroughly cleans your teeth, clearing plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach spots on your teeth. Maintaining clean and healthy teeth helps sustain your tooth enamel to resist staining. Your dentist can also give you a fluoride treatment to further strengthen tooth enamel. You will be able to speak to your dentist about potential whitening touch-ups as well to maintain the aesthetic goals for your smile.
Professional teeth whitening available in Sterling, VA.