0
Nowadays, people who want to get whiter teeth have several options. One of them is to undergo teeth whitening treatment. This procedure helps a person achieve a brighter and more beautiful smile. And for sure, anyone who has undergone teeth whitening hopes to enjoy the transformation for as long as possible.
However, the effectiveness of the teeth whitening treatment also lies in the after-care. There are post whitening care and guidelines that you should strictly adhere to in order to maximize its impact.
Not sure how you should proceed after a teeth whitening treatment? Here’s an infographic from The Smile Bar, the experts in teeth whitening, that explains the Dos and Don’t you need to follow after the procedure.
8 Dos and Dont’s after a Teeth Whitening Treatment
After your teeth whitening treatment, you’d surely want to retain the brightness of your smile for as long as possible. However, it is important to know that getting the treatment is just the first step. You also have to do your part to keep your teeth pearly white long after the procedure is done.
General Rules After Teeth Whitening: 8 Dos and Don’ts You Need to Know
1. Don’t Smoke.
If you’re a smoker, it would be best to avoid cigarettes or tobacco for a 24 hour period to avoid staining your teeth.
2. Do Switch to e-Cigarettes.
Smokers are advised to use e-cigarettes in moderation during this time. Unlike cigarettes, they do not produce tar and ash which are responsible for teeth discoloration.
3. Don’t Consume Dark Staining Food and Drinks.
Refrain from colored sodas, alcoholic beverages, and fruit juices. It is also best to avoid teeth-staining foods such as colored sauces, chocolates, red meat, and all types of fruits except bananas.
Did You Know? The yellow stains on teeth are not just caused by food and drinks. They are also linked to aging.
4. Do Learn About the White Shirt Test.
If you’re unsure if a food or drink can cause teeth discoloration, do the white shirt test. Basically, it tells that any food or drink that can stain your white shirt can also stain your teeth.
5. Don’t Use a Hard-Bristled Toothbrush and Abrasive Toothpaste
High level of abrasives in your toothpaste can cause teeth sensitivity and damage your enamel. In addition, rigorous brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear your enamel away and expose teeth to decay.
Guide for Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) values:
-
- 0-70 = low abrasive
- 70-100 = medium abrasive
- 100-150 = highly abrasive
- 150-250 = regarded as a harmful limit
6. Don’t Skip the Floss.
Aside from brushing your teeth, you also have to floss them regularly. These two go together so you can stay away from gum diseases and tooth decay that contribute to teeth discoloration.
7. Do Touch-ups After Every 6 Months
Remember, teeth whitening is only temporary. To maintain your pearly white teeth, you need a touch-up every six months.
Did you know? People who expose their teeth to a lot of dark-staining food and beverages may see results fade in as little as 1 month.
8. Don’t Use Certain Medications
Antibacterial medications can result in teeth blots. In fact, long-term use of certain antibiotics are associated to gray discoloration of teeth. An example is a tetracycline which you should avoid if possible for best results.
A teeth whitening treatment can remove teeth stains and restore its brightness. However, the effects are temporary and what you’ll do after the teeth whitening session also affect the results. Know the habits and food that you must avoid as they can undo the results in a short amount of time.
Found this post helpful? Visit our blog for more informative posts on how to whiten your teeth.
