After a fresh teeth whitening procedure, it would be disappointing and frustrating for it not to last. Instead, there are ways to ensure your teeth stay bright for as long as possible. The aftercare of teeth whitening is just as important as the procedure itself. Keep reading to learn how to maintain pearly white teeth for as long as possible with the right habits.

What Foods Should You Avoid?

In the first 48 hours after a teeth whitening procedure, it’s crucial to avoid all foods that could stain the teeth. Your teeth are sensitive during this period and can stain more easily than they normally would. Once you are past the 48 hour mark, it’s still important to avoid staining food as much as possible. Coffee and tea are the biggest culprits for leaving marks on your pearly whites. Drink them less often to avoid stains. Dark sauces, such as soy sauce and barbecue sauce, dark chocolate, and red wine should all be avoided as well. Lastly, acidic foods, like oranges, lemon, and sour fruit juices, can weaken the enamel, causing the whiteness to fade. The enamel is the outer layer of the teeth that appears white. 

How Can You Maintain White Teeth?

Getting into the habit of caring for your teeth is the best way to keep them as bright and white as possible. Use straws when drinking anything that could stain the teeth. For example, if you must drink coffee, use a straw to consume it so it doesn’t touch the surface of the teeth. Flossing and brushing daily is crucial to overall tooth health and to maintaining whiteness. It will clean off the plaque buildup that can look like stains. Consider using a whitening toothpaste once or twice a week to support the whitening treatments. Lastly, rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking to get rid of any debris that is sitting on the teeth. The less time staining foods have to sit on the teeth, the less they will leave marks.

If you are looking for a professional teeth whitening procedure, reach out to the office of Stephanie M.L. Wong, DMD, in Honolulu, HI. This dental care practice is dedicated to the comfort of their patients and ensures they stay educated throughout the whole process. Whether you need dental crowns, dentures, veneers, a root canal, tooth filling, or more, their knowledgeable team would love to see you. Call (808) 732-3072 to speak with a team member, or visit them online to learn more about their services.