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Teeth whitening helps brighten your smile and boost your confidence. If you're considering this treatment for the first time, you may have questions about balancing beautiful, long-lasting results and your oral health. Fortunately, following a few simple steps will keep your teeth white and your mouth feeling healthy.

Teeth Whitening Aftercare Tips

1. Avoid Eating Pigmented & Acidic Foods

It's crucial to avoid foods that might stain or hurt your teeth after whitening. Coffees and teas can stain teeth instantly, while eating sticky foods can cause staining if any particles aren't immediately removed. Additionally, be careful of foods with a high acid content, such as citrus fruits and juices, as the acid can damage your enamel after whitening. If you still wish to have these types of drinks, use a straw to avoid direct contact with your teeth.

2. Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene

After teeth whitening, it's crucial to maintain good dental habits to ensure that your perfect smile lasts. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing after every meal, and using an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day will help minimize plaque buildup and staining. After whitening, most people report sensitivity to cold or hot foods. Using a toothpaste or gel specifically for sensitive teeth can help mitigate these feelings.

teeth whitening

Add a whitening toothpaste or rinse to your routine once or twice a week, as it can help as a quick touch-up. These products have lower concentrations of whitening ingredients, so they'll bolster the results without overdoing them. Limit their usage to just a couple of times a week to avoid damaging the enamel or triggering sensitivity.

3. Have Touch-Up Treatments Done as Needed

If you notice any new staining, consider seeing your dentist for a follow-up treatment; having touch-ups done every six months for the first two years after whitening is a normal part of the process.

While touch-up treatments are important, it's vital to avoid over whitening your teeth as this can cause long-lasting damage to your dental health.

Don't forget to schedule your routine visits to the dentist. Being consistent with dental cleanings keeps your smile white, and bolsters the overall health of your teeth.

 

If you're interested in teeth whitening or want to discuss aftercare, contact Arrow Dental Care to schedule an appointment. The Ellisville and St. Peters, MO, offices offer complete dental care services with dentists you can trust to keep your smile bright. To set up an appointment, call (636) 220-7770 for Ellisville or (636) 441-6999 for St. Peters, or visit their website to see more services they offer.

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