After undergoing a professional teeth whitening procedure by a cosmetic dentist, an aftercare routine is crucial for the results to last. Aftercare requires little effort to maintain the color of the teeth before another procedure is needed. Here are aftercare recommendations for whitened teeth.

Don’t Eat Acidic Foods

After the teeth whitening procedure, part of the aftercare routine includes avoiding acidic foods. These foods include:

• Pickles
• Citrus
• Soda

Avoid these foods because the treatment weakens the pore or tubules of tooth enamel. When the enamel weakens, the teeth are prone to decay and stains, and acid worsens the weakness further.

Teeth whitening can be preserved by eating the following foods after the procedure:

• Green beans
• Apples
• Crunchy vegetables
• Pasta
• Potatoes
• Eggs
• Cauliflower
• Yogurt

These foods enhance the flow and production of saliva, which helps to counteract the acids and clean the teeth. The minerals and nutrients keep teeth healthy and prevent decay.

Don’t Eat Colored Foods

Avoid deep-colored meals after a teeth whitening procedure as teeth are prone to blemishes during this time. These meals include dark sauces, berries, chocolate, beets, cherries, and wine to prolong the results.

When deciding which foods to eat, think about whether they can stain a white shirt or not. If so, avoid such meals.

Don’t eat dark-colored sauces such as mustard, soy sauce, tomato sauce, etc. Instead, choose white sauces and ask the dentist for recommendations of chocolates to eat to maintain teeth whiteness.

Avoid Chewy Foods

Chewy foods such as pizza, bagels, steak, and chewy candy can cause damage to whitened teeth. They may get stuck when attempting to chew, causing stains on the surface of the teeth.

Don’t Eat Cold and Hot Meals

Teeth are usually sensitive after a whitening procedure. For this reason, it’s best to avoid meals that are too cold or too hot for at least a few days. Drinking tea or coffee in the morning is the norm for many people. These drinks should be avoided as they are known to stain the teeth.

Avoid consuming the wrong drinks and food after the procedure as much as possible. If they have nutritional benefits, rinse the teeth afterward to prevent staining and decay.

Brush Gently

Brushing and flossing teeth twice daily is essential after teeth whitening. The goal is to ensure the teeth look their best. They should be kept that way after putting so much effort and time into getting them white.

Brushing teeth after eating prevents stains from accumulating on the teeth. Make it a routine to brush after consuming staining foods to ensure they stay white for a long time. Brush gently to prevent stripping of the whitening or discomfort as teeth may be sensitive after the procedure.

Use Straws

Use a straw to drink tea or coffee if staying away from them is not an option. Straws prevent liquids from passing through the teeth when indulging in teeth-staining beverages and juices. The drink goes directly to the throat.

Reusable metal straws are perfect for use with both cold and hot beverages. Some come with a carrying case to carry in a bag or purse.

Quit Smoking

Smoking can stain teeth badly and is also bad for health. Repeating this habit after teeth whitening is counter-intuitive, so it’s best to quit smoking altogether.

Talk to a doctor to learn the necessary steps to make it easier to stop smoking. Avoid smoking to maintain the whiteness of the teeth and for good health.

Use Sensitivity Products

Most people experience sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures after a whitening procedure. An excellent aftercare tip is to buy a toothpaste meant for sensitivity or apply a gel. These products will minimize discomfort once the treatment is complete.

Perform Touch-up Treatments

After undergoing teeth whitening treatments, there is the option of considering touch-ups. Consult a dentist to know the appropriate length of the practice. The teeth stay white depending on these factors:

• Option of whitening treatments
• General diet
• Lifestyle

Sometimes people are not content with their results after completing one whitening treatment. They may feel that they need to go for another treatment immediately but overdoing whitening treatments harms the enamel. A touch-up treatment is meant to restore the whitening result and is best done once a year or after two years.

Consume Clear Alcoholic Drinks

For individuals who drink, consider clear alcoholic drinks. The drinks need light mixers such as vodka soda or gin. Use straws to help prevent teeth staining.

Look for the Best Cosmetic Dentist for Teeth Whitening Treatment

Everyone wants a perfect smile. Take time to look for a qualified cosmetic dentist. Making a wrong choice can result in embarrassment, pain, or trauma to the mouth and teeth.

When it comes to oral health, the stakes are high. That’s why it’s crucial to get it right from the start.

Research and compare the portfolios of multiple dentists. Choose one who is competent, trustworthy, and experienced in performing teeth whitening treatments.