When you're looking to upgrade your smile, especially if you're a coffee and tea drinker, teeth whitening is a popular dental treatment that removes the appearance of stains on your teeth. Bleaching can whiten your teeth several shades in just one half-hour trip to the dentist. When you get your teeth whitened, follow these tips to get the best results.

Do:

Get it done by a professional.

The whitening services offered by a dentist are fast-acting and more powerful compared to the teeth whitening products you can purchase over the counter. Professional supervision will lead to precise results, meaning that if some areas of your teeth are more stained than others, your dentist will be able to hone in on these areas. When you get this procedure done in-office, you’re also less likely to experience gum irritation from misplaced bleach.

Touch up afterwards.

To keep your teeth at their brightest, it can help to use mild whitening dental products in the weeks and months after your treatment. Some dentists may recommend a gel tray or a whitening pen for upkeep. After three to sixth months, depending on your dentist's recommendation, you can schedule another teeth whitening appointment.

Don’t:

Over whiten.

Each whitening product comes with instructions that specify a maximum time to leave it on your teeth. This is because, in leaving the bleach on your teeth for too long, the treatment can begin to have the opposite effect. Instead of getting whiter, your teeth will start to turn gray, and this damage can be permanent. Having your teeth whitened by a dentist is the most effective way to avoid this issue, as a dentist will ensure that the treatment remains on your teeth for the appropriate amount of time.

Eat staining foods immediately afterwards.

A teeth whitening product opens up tiny tube-like structures in the enamel of your teeth and draws stains out from beneath the surface. These pores in your enamel will stay open for a few hours after your treatment. During this time, your teeth are more vulnerable to staining than usual, so avoid highly pigmented foods including curry and tomato paste, and also avoid drinks containing tannins like wine, tea, and coffee.

For professional teeth whitening on the island of Oahu, visit Kathleen Kujiraoka, DDS in Kaneohe, HI. Serving the area for over 25 years, this locally-owned office provides advanced cosmetic and general dental care, including teeth whitening, for a radiant smile. Check out their specials on their website, or call (808) 235-2121 to schedule an appointment.