5 tips to extend the effect of tooth whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most demanded treatments in dentistry. It is a relatively inexpensive, simple and fast treatment, with an immediate aesthetic effect on our teeth, since in a single session it allows us to whiten several shades of their color, so that we notice our smile whiter and more radiant.

However, like any medical treatment, it is not free of doubts and frequently asked questions. In this post we analyze in detail one of the most common questions: What can I do to make the effect of teeth whitening last longer?

First of all, it must be taken into account that the effects of a dental whitening are temporary, that is, after a while the teeth return to the color tone they had before the treatment, or to a very close tone. The duration of a dental whitening will depend on each person, on the particular characteristics of his or her mouth and the state of his or her oral health, and especially on his or her eating habits, hygiene and tobacco consumption. In an ideal scenario, that is, with proper oral health, good hygiene on a regular basis and adequate habits, the effects of dental whitening can last around 9-12 months. After this time, if we want to reduce the tone of our teeth again, we will have to perform a new whitening.

If we want these effects to last as long as possible, there are some recommendations that will help us to achieve this.

1. Tobacco, forbidden!

Smoking is one of the most harmful habits for our teeth, oral health and general health. Tobacco incorporates various substances, such as nicotine and tar, which stain our teeth and give them an unpleasant yellowish tone. If we stop smoking, we will be able to keep a nice shade in our teeth for a longer period of time, and our general health will be grateful for it.

2. Foods that stain, stain everything.

Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to remove the stains that certain foods leave on kitchen utensils or clothes? A similar thing happens with teeth. Some foods contain pigments that can stain or darken our teeth if we eat them frequently:

• Beverages such as red wine, coffee or tea.
• Red fruits or similar, such as cherries, strawberries, blueberries or beets.
• Spices such as saffron, curry, turmeric.
• Sauces such as soy sauce or tomato sauce.
• Foods with artificial coloring, such as popsicles or candies.

If we want to extend the effects of teeth whitening, we should reduce this type of food as much as possible, and in the case of consuming them, we should brush our teeth immediately afterwards.

3. Acidic foods, another bad ally

Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, do not stain directly, but they do weaken tooth enamel. This causes, on the one hand, that our teeth are more vulnerable to the effects of tobacco or foods with pigments that stain them. On the other hand, by weakening the outer layer of the tooth, the yellowish inner dentin becomes more noticeable.

As in the previous point, if we consume acidic foods, we should brush our teeth immediately to reduce their effects.

4. The most basic: proper oral hygiene.

Proper hygiene is essential not only to extend the effects of teeth whitening, but for the health of our mouth in general. Our dentist can recommend the most appropriate guidelines for our specific case, but in general we should brush our teeth with a good toothbrush, of medium hardness, and complete the cleaning with floss. Mouthwash is not necessary if we have healthy gums, although it can be a good complement if we like the “freshness” effect it leaves. It is very important to consult your dentist about the type of mouthwash you are using. Some have active ingredients such as chlorhexidine which stains the teeth for a long time.

5. Occasionally, a more thorough cleaning

In addition to following good hygiene habits, it is advisable to have a professional hygiene or dental prophylaxis in a dental clinic. The recommended frequency is every six months, but it will be our dentist who will determine how often we should do it in our particular case.

Prophylaxis consists of a professional oral cleaning, that is, a cleaning with techniques and tools that allow the removal of tartar and bacterial plaque from all areas of the mouth, even from those areas where it is not possible to remove them with a normal brushing, since they are not very accessible.

If you have any doubts or questions about teeth whitening, contactus and we will be happy to help you!