So you just got your laser teeth whitening done and you want to know how long the results will last? Well, its completely up to you! You have the power to maintain your laser teeth whitening by what you do and what you eat. After you get your Laser Teeth Whitening done with us, the dental assistant will tell you to avoid eating foods and drinks that stain for 72 hours after the procedure… listen to this advice! Here’s some more advice to help you maintain your whitening for as long as possible.
1. Avoid eating food and drinks that stain in general.
Although it is recommended to avoid these types of foods for only 72 hours after your whitening procedure, to fully maximize your whitening experience you should avoid them daily. Having drinks like coffee and red wine regularly is not good for your whitening and will dull the appearance of your teeth quickly. Foods that stain include, tea, coffee, red wine, cola, fruit juices, tomato based sauces, curry, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, berries, and beetroot. If you must drink coffee or tea, try to do so with a straw to help avoid those liquids from coming in contact with your teeth.
2. Brush Twice a Day
Brushing twice a day can reduce the amount of buildup on the teeth over time. Plaque and tartar that sits on the teeth can cause discoloration over time. This is why its important to brush daily and get rid of the build up before it stains or discolors the teeth.
Brushing your teeth after every meal will help extend the life of your professional whitening. By brushing away food particles and bacteria, you’ll help keep your teeth healthy and strong, so they can fight off stains and decay.
Keep a toothbrush at work so you can brush after lunch or coffee. When you’re on the go and can’t brush after a meal or snack, swishing your mouth thoroughly with mouthwash can help wash away stain-causing bacteria.
3. Eat Foods that Protect your Teeth
There are some foods that are good for your oral health that can help you keep your teeth healthy and dazzling.
Crunchy fruits and vegetables that are packed with water, like celery and apples, help produce saliva when you chew them. Saliva helps neutralize acids that break down tooth enamel and leave your teeth more susceptible to stains.
Cheese is another great food for your teeth for similar reasons — chewing cheese helps increase saliva production, and cheese has calcium and phosphorus which helps keep your tooth enamel strong and resilient to decay and stains.
4. Don’t Smoke
In many cases, it only takes a few months of smoking for the nicotine and tar in cigarettes to stain your teeth yellow, with or without investing in a professional whitening.
After several years of heavy smoking, your teeth can even turn from yellow to brown.
Smoking poses more serious concerns than just stained teeth — smoking increases your risk of gum infections, gum disease, plaque, and even oral cancer.
So, if you want pearly whites and healthy teeth and gums, put out the cigarette.
5. Use At-Home Touch Ups
To extend the life of your professional cleaning, you can use some at-home whitening products to do touch-ups when necessary. Whitening toothpaste, gels, touch-up pens and strips can all help your teeth keep bright.
Professional whitening and at-home whitening products are no substitute for dental cleanings. Be sure to visit your dentist every six months to keep your teeth looking great while also maintaining your oral health.
Your Dental Health
When it comes to your health, trust in the dentists at Dental Made Easy. Dental Made Easy has the best dental practices in New York City and we are open on Sundays as well as late evenings. All of our dental offices are opened and accepting new patients at this time. We are rated among the top dental practices in New York, NY with numerous 5 star reviews on Google, Yelp and Facebook. For a teeth cleaning or exam, we recommend calling or booking an appointment online with one of our talented dental professionals. All new patients may also take advantage of our $149 Cleaning Special that includes an exam and x-rays or our Free Dental Implant Consultation Special.
To set up your appointment give us a call at (844) 979-EASY (3279). We have offices in Briarwood, Prospect Lefferts Gardens and Mineola. Walk-ins welcomed, we take emergencies and we are open on late nights to accommodate patients with a busy schedule. We hope to see you soon!
