Teeth whitening, or bleaching, is one of the most common dental procedures performed around the world. It's not hard to see why that might be, with brighter, cleaner teeth providing a host of benefits that range from increased confidence to better first impressions. Bleaching can also reverse some of the effects of ageing, or even smoking, and many people choose to have their smile touched in this way before a special occasion such as getting married.
Bleaching is safe and won't affect your teeth in any long lasting way other than their appearance. It is important however, to take good care of your pearly whites after they've been whitened to ensure that the colour lasts as long as possible. Many people wonder how they can keep their smile looking fantastic after the procedure, and fortunately there are a few simple steps you can take to do so.
Avoid food or drink that will stain
There are many ways that teeth can become stained, but one of the most typical is through eating or drinking various products that leave a mark on your enamel. This is especially true in the period immediately after whitening, so be sure to keep an eye on what you eat in the days after your teeth have been bleached. The biggest offenders when it comes to stains are beverages like coffee, tea, soft drinks and red wine, along with foods like chocolate. As a rough rule of thumb, if it can stain a white shirt, it can probably stain your teeth.
While one solution might be to cut out everything that could potentially discolour your teeth, we all know that's not practical. Instead, limit your consumption of these products, and be sure to drink water or rinse after eating or drinking anything that might leave a mark. WebMD recommends drinking through a straw whenever possible, but that might be a bit excessive when it comes to beverages like coffee. Each to their own!
A more realistic way to keep your teeth white is to take good care of them with regular brushing.
Appropriate care
A more realistic way to keep your teeth white is to take good care of them with regular brushing and good oral hygiene. Investing in some specialised whitening toothpaste can be another good step to take, but be sure to consult with your dentist to make sure the product is appropriate.
Results will also last longer if you have your teeth professionally cleaned and scaled prior to whitening. This will ensure that the bleach has been applied over a clean surface. Ultimately, the effects won't last forever, with touch-ups often required once a year or so. With good dental care though, you'll be able to keep your smile looking great for a long time.