El teeth whitening It is one of the most demanded treatments in dentistry. It is a relatively cheap, simple and fast treatment, and with an immediate aesthetic effect on our teeth, since in a single session it allows us to whiten several shades of its color, with which we notice our whiter and more radiant smile.
However, like any medical treatment, it is not without 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?
In the first place, it must be taken into account that the effects of tooth 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 teeth whitening it will depend on each person, of the particular characteristics of your mouth and the state of your oral health, and especially of your eating habits, hygiene and tobacco consumption. In an ideal scenario, that is, with correct oral health, good hygiene on a regular basis and proper habits, the effects of teeth whitening can last around 9-12 months. After this time, if we want to reduce the tone of our teeth again, we must perform a new whitening.
If we want these effects to last as long as possible, there are some recommendations that will help us achieve it.
1. Tobacco, prohibited!
Smoking is one of the most harmful to our teeth, for oral health and health in general. Tobacco incorporates various substances, such as nicotine and tar, that stain our teeth and give them an unpleasant yellowish tint. If we stop smoking, we will be able to keep our teeth looking beautiful for longer, and our health in general will appreciate 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? Well, a similar thing happens with the teeth. Some foods contain pigments that can stain or darken our teeth if we consume them frequently:
- Beverages such as red wine, coffee or tea.
- Red or similar fruits, such as cherries, strawberries, blueberries or beets.
- Spices like saffron, curry, turmeric.
- Sauces such as soy sauce or tomato sauce.
- Foods with artificial colors, such as popsicles or candies.
If we want to prolong the effects of teeth whitening, we must reduce this type of food as much as possible, and in the case of consuming them, brush our teeth immediately after.
3. Acidic foods, another bad ally
Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, do not directly stain, 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. And on the other, by weakening the outer layer of the tooth, the inner dentin, yellowish in color, 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: correct oral hygiene
correct hygiene It is essential not only to prolong the effects of teeth whitening, but also 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 brush, of medium hardness, and complete the cleaning with silk thread. The 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 with the dentist about the type of mouthwash that we are using. Some have active ingredients such as chlorhexidine that stain teeth for a long time.
5. From time to time, a more thorough cleaning
In addition to following good hygiene habits, it is advisable to carry out professional hygiene or Dental prophylaxisin a dental clinic. The recommended frequency is every six months, but it will be our dentist who determines how often we should do it in our specific case.
Prophylaxis consists of professional oral cleaning, that is, cleaning with techniques and tools that allow tartar and bacterial plaque to be removed from all areas of the mouth, even those where it is not possible to remove them with normal brushing, since they are not very accessible.
If you have any questions or queries about teeth whitening,contact us and we will be happy to help you!