How to Care for Your Teeth After Professional Whitening

When you invest in professional whitening to restore the appearance of your teeth, you should also incorporate some lifestyle changes into your routine to protect your whitening results.

At Park Dental NYC, we specialize in teeth whitening for adults. Our highly skilled dentist, YooKyung Park, DDS, customizes a care plan to get your teeth several shades whiter and brighter so you’ll be happy to show off a more dazzling smile.

Here, our team offers some strategies for maintaining your teeth whitening results and preventing new tooth discoloration.

What professional teeth whitening is all about

Teeth whitening is a procedure that uses an agent like carbamide peroxide to break down staining substances on the surface of your teeth. We also use a high-grade Zoom! LED light to achieve whiter results at a faster rate.

The whitening agent we use in-office is much stronger and more effective than the products you can buy in the store. Our team also ensures that your teeth and gums are protected from damage during whitening treatments.

In-office whitening can whiten your smile by 6-8 shades in a single treatment and only takes about 45 minutes.

Tips to keep your smile bright and white after whitening

Using strategies that protect the whiteness of your teeth immediately after your treatment is the first step to ensuring long-lasting results. In the initial 24-48 hours, it’s especially important that you stay mindful of what touches your teeth.

Here are tips that we recommend to protect the whiteness of your smile:

1. Avoid teeth-staining foods and beverages

To keep your smile bright, avoid drinks that can leave dark stains on your teeth, such as coffee, dark wines and sodas, fruit juices, and black tea. Foods like chocolate, berries, cured meats, and soy sauce also contain ingredients that can dull your smile.

Be proactive about learning which foods and drinks that stain your teeth and add more fresh products into your diet to support your oral health.

2. Choose a white toothpaste

Certain toothpastes and mouthwashes are available in many colors, including blue, red, and purple. Some may contain dyes that can discolor your teeth with ongoing use.

Opt for a white-colored paste and clear mouthwashes to prevent additional staining. Ask our team for recommendations of products that will prevent cavities while keeping your smile white.

3. Give up the smoking habit for good

Tobacco residue leaves ugly, brown stains on the surface of your teeth. Plus, a smoking habit can increase your risk for cancer and other serious health issues.

Quitting smoking now protects not only your oral health but also your overall wellness. If you want to quit ahead of your teeth whitening appointment but aren’t sure how ask our team for smoking cessation resources.

4. Keep up with routine dental cleanings

Our professional dental cleanings during your six-month checkup are key to maintaining a healthy mouth and smile.

Our dental team skillfully removes bacteria and plaque from the surface, between your teeth, and below the gumline. Routine dental cleanings reduce your risk for cavities and tooth discoloration.

If you’re ready for a whiter, brighter smile, call Park Dental NYC in Midtown East Manhattan, New York, today to schedule a teeth whitening consultation. You can also book an appointment online.