Whether you have been struggling with dark-colored tooth stains for years or you have suffered a new injury that has made your teeth look a little worse for wear, you might be interested in one of our advanced teeth whitening solutions. This simple yet innovative treatment applies a bleaching agent to your teeth and activates the solution with a UV light. Afterward, you will be left with bright pearly whites that will give you a massive boost in confidence. Watch out for these teeth-staining habits to avoid after whitening.
Teeth-Staining Habits to Avoid After Whitening
But it takes some work to maintain good results. Your local cosmetic dentist in East Highland wants to make you aware of some of the biggest teeth-staining habits to avoid after whitening in order to make your results last as long as possible. Take a look at these daily habits and dietary changes you’ll need to make in order to continue supporting a long future of good dental health.
Watch Out for Porous Enamel
Your enamel is the outermost layer of your tooth. It is defined by a thin layer of lubrication that reinforces the tooth and protects it against harmful bacteria and debris. Over time, this enamel can come off or get worn out, causing the tooth to become more susceptible to damage.
While the bleaching agent we apply to your teeth during the whitening procedure is safe, it also causes your enamel to become porous. This means that for a short period of time after your treatment, your teeth are more susceptible to getting stained by certain types of foods. Get ready to change your diet around, at least for the next few months following your procedure.
Avoid Tooth-Staining Foods
Unfortunately, there are certain types of food that you should remove from your kitchen for a while after you receive a tooth-whitening treatment. Ingredients like acid, dye, and fructose can severely stain your teeth and reverse all the work that was just done by your in-office treatment.
You’ll want to avoid foods and beverages such as:
- Candy
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Soda
- Wine
- Tomatoes and tomato sauces
- Curry
- Fruit juice
- Dark-colored fruits, like blueberries and strawberries
- Fruits with high citric acid like oranges
Additionally, you will also want to avoid the heavy use of tobacco. While it’s no secret that tobacco and smoking can be harmful to the body, this ingredient is also prone to staining your teeth. What’s worse, tooth stains from tobacco are incredibly hard to remove, and may not always be effectively removed with tooth whitening treatments. Speak with your dentist or medical professional about help with smoking cessation if you are having trouble kicking this habit on your own.
Don’t Avoid Your Follow-Up Appointment
There are numerous ways to prolong the results of your procedure or to at least avoid foods that will stain your teeth all over again. The easiest way to keep track of what’s good for you and what isn’t is to schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist.
They will also provide you with additional information about what foods to avoid, and they will even give you a list of foods you can eat during this time (such as onions, eggs, and yogurt). If you have any questions or need assistance transitioning into a healthier phase of life, our expert dental team is here to help.
Contact Your East Highland Dental Specialists Today
Interested in scheduling a professional teeth whitening treatment? You can get rid of blemishes and dark stains when you invest in this affordable and non-surgical method of refreshing your teeth. You’ll look and feel better while being able to learn more about healthy dental habits that will keep your pearly whites shining for many years to come. Get in touch with us now to learn more!