Teeth Whitening Dental Care: How To Maintain Your New Smile
If your teeth have become discoloured after whitening, contact Yorkshire Dental Suite to enquire about your treatment options.
You’ve had your teeth whitened, you’re feeling confident, and you want your new smile to last as long as possible. Our top 10 teeth whitening dental care tips, carefully curated by the experts at Yorkshire Dental Suite, are designed to help you maintain your dazzling grin for as long as possible.
Tip 1: Good oral hygiene is key
This is one of the best ways to prevent plaque and tartar, two substances that not only give your teeth a yellow look, but also cause gum disease. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a high-quality toothbrush and teeth whitening toothpaste. Remember to change your brush head every 3 months for the best possible clean!
Our experts say: Use an electric toothbrush if able. They are extremely effective, boast an impressive lifespan and can get to those hard-to-reach areas with ease.
Tip 2: Floss, floss, floss
Many patients skip flossing as they do not think it’s an essential part of their teeth cleaning routine. It is in fact the opposite - this action helps to remove bacteria and staining food remnants stuck in-between the teeth. We recommend flossing at least once a day (prior to brushing your teeth) to support a bright, healthy smile.
Our experts say: If you have dental braces flossing is more important than ever, as it cleans between the intricate wires and brackets.
Tip 3: Be considerate of your diet
Pigmented food and drinks will accelerate discolouration, especially in the first 48 hours following your teeth whitening treatment. Think tea, coffee, red wine and tomato-based sauces. If you are medically able, consider what you are eating on a day-to-day basis and what could stain your newly whitened teeth.
Our experts say: Be aware that acidic and sugary foods will also cause discolouration. This is because they weaken the enamel and make it vulnerable to decay.
Tip 4: Straws are your best friend
If you cannot avoid staining drinks, use a straw. This limits the contact of the substance with the surface of the teeth. If your teeth are newly whitened and you are finding that hot or cold drinks are making your teeth feel sensitive, drinking through a straw is a great way to minimise this discomfort.
Our experts say: Keep the environment in mind and opt for a reusable straw, rather than using plastic ones that are immediately thrown away.
Tip 5: Do not smoke or vape
The harmful ingredients found in cigarettes and vapes stick to the teeth, leading to a build-up of plaque and bad breath. Did you know? This discolouration isn’t always yellow; sometimes, vaping and smoking can also turn your teeth black or brown (in severe cases).
Our experts say: It’s not just discolouration that these habits cause - you’re potentially facing tooth loss, as well as life-threatening diseases like mouth, throat and lung cancer.
Tip 6: Schedule regular cleanings with a hygienist
From routine scale and polishes to deeper cleans like GBT (Guided Biofilm Therapy), your hygienist plays an essential role in the prevention of gum disease and tooth cavities. Some treatments have the ability to remove surface stains too, helping to maintain your gleaming, uniform smile.
Our experts say: You should try to visit your dentist twice a year for a general check-up, in addition to two appointments with your hygienist.
Tip 7: Hydration is key
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a common dental condition that occurs when there isn’t enough saliva present in the mouth to keep it wet. Saliva plays a significant role in protecting teeth against bacteria and, if there isn’t enough being produced, the risk of decay is enhanced. Another side effect? White spots.
Our experts say: Try to stick to water as much as possible. While it may be tempting to reach for an energy drink or fruit juice, these liquids lead to accelerated staining.
Tip 8: Wear a mouthguard
This is particularly relevant for patients who grind their teeth (a habit called bruxism). When faced with this constant pressure, the enamel wears down and exposes the layer of dentin beneath. This can make your teeth appear yellow as a result. Wearing a mouthguard helps to prevent this.
Our experts say: If you play contact sports, remember to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth against dental injury.
Tip 9: Prioritise a good night’s sleep
You may be thinking, how does sleeping prevent tooth discolouration? Our bodies naturally produce saliva while we rest which, in turn, keeps our teeth hydrated and fights against decay. During this time, our bodies also repair and regenerate tissues, including the ones in our mouth.
Our experts say: Use a humidifier! This essential device maintains moisture levels in your bedroom and prevents dry mouth.
Tip 10: Top-up your results with at-home whitening products
Teeth whitening does not last forever. If you start to see your smile dull, discolour or stain, you are able to refresh the colour of your teeth without needing to visit your local dentist. From strips and pens to toothpastes and mouthwashes, your options are truly endless.
Our experts say: Yorkshire Dental Suite’s at-home kit comes with two free teeth whitening syringes, meaning you can top-up your treatment whenever you please.
Conclusion:
Yorkshire Dental Suite are masters in bright, beautiful smiles. Enquire today if you want to refresh your pre-existing teeth whitening treatment, or simply want to start the journey to a whiter smile.