How to Make Teeth Whitening Results Last

Investing in professional tooth whitening can boost your confidence and make you want to show off your smile. However, teeth whitening results can fade. Of course, you want to maintain your brighter smile as long as possible. And with a little extra care, you can!

Why Teeth Whitening Results Fade

Teeth whitening treatments remove stains and discoloration caused by everyday factors such as coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking. However, because we continue to expose our teeth to these staining agents, the results naturally fade over time.

Everyday Habits to Keep Your Smile Bright

The key to prolonging your whitening results is understanding what causes stains and taking steps to minimize them in your daily routine.

Watch What You Eat and Drink

Certain foods and beverages are a common cause when it comes to staining your teeth. Limiting or avoiding them can help maintain your teeth’s whiteness.

• Beverages that stain: Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored sodas are notorious for causing discoloration. If you can’t skip your favorite drink, try drinking it through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.
• Foods that stain: Highly pigmented foods like berries, tomato sauce, curry, and soy sauce can also contribute to discoloration.
• Acidic foods: Foods high in acidity, such as citrus fruits and juices, can weaken enamel and make your teeth more susceptible to staining.

Try to limit foods and drinks that contribute to stains. And, when you do enjoy them, rinse your mouth with water afterwards to reduce staining.

Adding certain foods to your diet can also help maintain your teeth’s brightness. Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, celery, and carrots naturally scrub your teeth as you chew, helping to keep them clean. Dairy products are another great choice; they contain calcium and phosphorus, which contribute to healthy, strong enamel.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking water throughout the day can help wash away food particles and staining agents. As we mentioned, swishing water around your mouth after consuming stain-prone foods or drinks can be particularly helpful.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Excellent personal dental care is one of the most effective ways to preserve the results of teeth whitening for as long as possible. Here’s what you should focus on:

• Brush twice a day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive flouride toothpaste to gently remove surface stains without damaging your enamel.
• Floss daily: Flossing removes plaque and debris between your teeth that brushing alone may miss.
• Mouthwash: Consider an antibacterial or fluoride mouthwash to keep your mouth clean and protect against discoloration.

No Tobacco or Nicotine

Smoking and vaping are major contributors to teeth discoloration. Tar and nicotine not only stain teeth but also work their way into the enamel, making the discoloration more difficult to remove. If maintaining a bright smile or your oral or overall health is a priority, consider quitting smoking or other tobacco and nicotine use completely.

Schedule Regular Cleanings

Professional dental cleanings twice a year are important for sustaining your teeth whitening results. During these appointments, we will remove plaque and tartar build-up, helping to prevent staining and keep your teeth looking bright.

Advanced Care for Long-Lasting Results

In addition to everyday habits, you may want to also consider taking these important actions for the long term.

Be Diligent After Whitening

We know you can’t always avoid staining foods and beverages. However, to maximize the lifespan of your whitening results,  be serious about avoiding highly pigmented foods and drinks for the first 48 hours immediately after treatment. During this time, your enamel may be more susceptible to staining.

Consider a Touch-Up

Even with the best care, teeth whitening results can fade over time. Many patients find that a touch-up treatment can help restore their beautiful results. Talk to us about the ideal frequency for your touch-up treatments at your whitening appointment or during your regular check-up.

Keep Your Smile Bright and Healthy

If you have specific questions about whitening maintenance, touch-ups or your whitening options, schedule a consultation with us today!