Foods That Should Be Avoided After Teeth Whitening for a long-lasting effect

While teeth whitening has incredible results when done by a dental expert, the secret to maintaining the brightness and whiteness of your smile is good oral hygiene and wise food choices.

What Is Teeth Whitening?

It is a dental procedure that beaches teeth’ enamels, removing stains to brighten and whiten teeth. It is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in both general and cosmetic dentistry.

What Does Teeth Whitening Entail?

Professional teeth whitening must be done by a dentist near you in a dental clinic. When you first visit a dental clinic, your attending dentist in Clovis, CA, will examine your mouth to detect any anomalies. Afterward, the bleaching process can begin.

The dentist will apply the whitening products on your teeth, usually after protecting your gums. The whitening agents will have direct contact with your natural teeth. The dentist then uses a laser to activate the bleaching process. It should take a few minutes before the dentist rinses your mouth. If there are still some stains or discoloration, the dentist will repeat the steps a few more times.

What Happens After Teeth Whitening?

You should notice a significant improvement in your teeth color before you leave the dental clinic. Usually, professional teeth whitening can achieve up to 4 shades of whiteness relative to the initial teeth color. Some of the side effects of the treatment you should anticipate are:

1. Heightened tooth sensitivity
2. Dental discomfort – particularly on the corners of your mouth.
3. Gum tenderness and irritation

How Long Will the Treatment Last?

A typical teeth whitening treatment at Valley Dental & Orthodontics lasts about 45 minutes. After that, we will discharge you to go home. Some patients may require to continue the bleaching treatments with at-home whitening kits to target the stubborn stains.

Fortunately, professional teeth whitening is quite effective and successful in removing stains. The even better news is that you will not need retreatment for between 6 and 12 months. Your dental care measures at home will contribute greatly to the longevity of your results.

Tips to Maintain White Teeth Between Treatments

Before your next appointment to re-whiten your teeth, the following tips should help you maintain a bright smile.

1. Brush your teeth after every meal – if you can remember to brush your teeth at least twice every day, you will maintain good oral hygiene. However, you may need to brush after every meal to maintain white teeth.
2. Visit your dentist routinely for dental cleanings.
3. Use an at-home whitening kit – usually prescribed by a dentist.
4. Watch what you eat – some foods and drinks can stain your teeth.
5. Drink through straws – to reduce contact between drinks and your teeth that may leave stain deposits.

Can Food Stain Teeth?

Whether you have whitened your teeth or not, some foods and drinks can stain and discolor your teeth. If anything, part of the reason you may need teeth whitening is due to teeth yellowing due to food choices.
There are different foods to avoid after teeth whitening if you want to maintain the brightness and whiteness of your smile. They include the following categories:

1. ​Dark-colored fruits and vegetables – including dark berries, tomatoes, and red cabbage.
2. Dark-colored beverages – examples include coffee, red wine, sodas, cola, fruit juices, and tea.
3. ​Foods containing dyes – examples include baked cakes and cookies, ice cream, flavored yogurts, and chocolate.
4. Sauces – like soy sauce and tomato-based sauces.
5. Starchy foods – pasta or potatoes.

Is Food the Only Thing That Can Stain Teeth?

Technically, food is the most common thing that can stain your teeth since you have to eat at least thrice every day. However, other oral habits can stain teeth, including smoking. Any form of tobacco usage can stain your teeth, not to mention cause other oral complications like oral cancer and gum disease. Other factors that can explain tooth stains and discoloration are:

1. Dental cavities
2. Poor oral hygiene – allowing plaque and tartar to build up on teeth surfaces.
3. Fluorosis – is the staining of teeth’ enamels due to overexposure to fluoride.
4. Diseases and certain medications – can affect the normal development of tooth enamel, particularly for children.
5. Enamel erosion – exposes the dentin, which is rather duller in color than enamel.