Risks and care of tooth whitening | 5 simple ways
Did you recently get your teeth whitened? Are you hoping to make the results last as long as possible? Are you wondering how to properly take care of your new smile and avoid the risk of staining it? The Christmas holidays are just around the corner, and we have all anticipated indulging in our favourite meals, snacks and beverages. Sweets seem to appear everywhere you go, and with all of the present-wrapping and card-writing, there really isn’t much time to devote to your oral health routine and general well-being. Although teeth whitening aftercare is relatively straightforward, these 5 simple tips will help you keep the bright smile you desired.
1. Avoid Coloured foods
Following a teeth-whitening procedure, the first 48 hours are the most crucial. This is because your teeth are much more prone to blemishes during that time. If you want the best results and to prolong your teeth whiteness, you must avoid eating deep-coloured meals and using tobacco. Coffee, soda, beets, fruit pies like cherry and blueberry, and juices like pomegranate and grape contain chromogens or pigmented molecules, increasing tooth discolouration risk.
2. Avoid Acidic Foods
To make sure you experience as little sensitivity as possible, do your best to avoid acidic foods and beverages. Things such as pickles, lemons and limes are not your friend when it comes to long-lasting care and results. More often than not, teeth whitening treatment weakens the tubules or pores of teeth enamel and opens them up. The weakening of the enamel makes your teeth prone to stains and sensitivity after, which acidity is known to increase.
3. Choose light-coloured beverages
If you’ve spent the year working on whitening and brightening your teeth, the holidays are the worst time to wake up with the realisation that they are now pinkish and grey. Whilst we all know that the Christmas spirit calls for a glass of red wine, be aware that wine contains tannins, which tether to the enamel and encourage pigmented food to stick to and stain the teeth. As a rule of thumb – if you’ve recently had your teeth whitened – opt for a clear or light-coloured beverage.
4. Drink plenty of water and rinse after eating
Wait at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking to brush or floss – the enamel needs a chance to build up strength. Enamel is most sensitive just after a meal or beverage. Water, especially if it contains fluoride, will strengthen the teeth and dilute acidic and pigmented substances. Added bonus: staying hydrated can reduce the effects of holiday overindulgence and help take care of your overall well-being!
5. Book your post-holiday Check-up & Clean!
As usual, Christmas and New Year celebrations offer reflection and goal-setting time. You probably also know that, despite all your best intentions and promises, there is a risk that you won’t always floss, brush, gargle, or do anything you know you need to do to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
With London shops being partially closed, you might be on edge looking for the perfect Christmas gifts. Look no further! Surprise a family member or friend with the bright smile of their dreams. As a Christmas gift to all new and existing patients, Maida Smiles Clinic offers a voucher with a whopping 20% OFF Full Phillips Zoom! Whitening, including a Free Check-up! Call us at 020 3974 1777 to purchase your gift voucher and treat a loved one just in time for the holiday season.
