How to Extend Your Teeth Whitening Results

You considered it for years, and you’ve finally done it: You got your teeth whitened. Gone are your stained, discolored teeth. In their place is a dazzling white smile that can light up any room.

But now you’re starting to wonder: How can you make sure your teeth stay this white? Can you do anything to extend the results of your teeth whitening treatment?

It turns out there is. Here at Silicon Valley Dental Associates in Sunnyvale, California, we give the following advice to our teeth whitening patients.

Prep your teeth

Before your initial teeth whitening treatment, have your teeth professionally cleaned to ensure the best results.

If you brush your teeth regularly, that’s great. But you also need a professional cleaning to remove any plaque or tartar that might prevent the whitening solution from fully penetrating the surface of your teeth. That also ensures you get consistent results across all your teeth.

Use aftercare products

Several whitening products may help you as well. You can switch to a whitening toothpaste to help keep your teeth bright; be aware they can cause sensitivity. If you find your teeth reacting to hot and cold more, you may need to switch back to regular toothpaste.

Using baking soda for toothpaste is another good option. Whitening toothpicks and special toothbrushes can also help.

Avoid foods that stain

One reason you may need your teeth whitened in the first place is because of your consumption of dark food and drinks that can stain or discolor your teeth. These items include red wine, coffee, dark berries, soda, and balsamic vinegar. 

To keep your teeth white, limit these staining foods in the future. When you do eat them, make sure to brush and rinse your mouth afterward.

Stop smoking

Smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco stain teeth yellow fairly rapidly. In fact, smokers need to have teeth whitening twice as often as nonsmokers.

Practice good oral hygiene

Finally, follow good oral hygiene practices to keep your teeth clean and white. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, and visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings to keep plaque and tartar from affecting the color of your teeth and causing infections.

When you’re ready to have your teeth whitened — or if you have any other dental needs — our team at Silicon Valley Dental Associates is happy to help. Just call our Sunnyvale office at 408-659-3661 or use our convenient online scheduler to book your appointment today.