Professional teeth whitening is one of the quickest and most effective ways to enhance your smile and regain your confidence in your oral health. But one question continues to arise: once you’ve had the whitening treatment, how do you keep your teeth bright? In our blog, we’ll give guidance for correct teeth whitening aftercare to help maintain your results for as long as possible.
1. Follow The 48-Hour Rule
The first 48 hours after teeth whitening are particularly important! During this time period, your enamel is slightly more porous and more susceptible to staining. Due to this, make sure to avoid the following:
- Coffee and tea
- Red wine
- Cola and dark fizzy drinks
- Tomato-based sauces
- Soy sauce
- Berries
- Smoking or vaping
Top Tip: If it stains a white shirt, it can stain your teeth.
2. Stick To A “White Diet”
For the first few days, choose lighter-coloured foods to avoid staining. The following foods help to protect your whitening results while your teeth settle:
- Chicken or turkey
- White fish
- Rice and pasta (without dark sauces)
- Potatoes
- Cauliflower
- Bananas
- Plain yoghurt
3. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
Just because your teeth look brighter doesn’t mean you need to stop cleaning them. Keeping them clean is as equally important, and is one of the best ways to maintain whitening results. Ensure you do the following:
- Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily
- Consider using a whitening maintenance toothpaste (as recommended by your dentist)
- Rinse after consuming staining drinks
Top Tip: Electric toothbrushes can also be more effective at removing surface stains.
4. Be Smart With Staining Drinks
We’re not saying you need to give up drinks like coffee or red wine, as moderation is key; however, small changes can make a big difference. Try to continue with the following:
- Drinking through a straw
- Rinsing your mouth with water afterwards
- Limiting how often you sip
- Avoid holding drinks in your mouth
5. Schedule Regular Hygiene Appointments
Professional cleanings help remove surface stains before they build up. Regular hygiene visits help to:
- Maintain brightness
- Improve gum health
- Prevent plaque build-up
- Prolong whitening results
Your dentist or hygienist can also advise you on whether and when a top-up whitening treatment may be beneficial.
6. Consider Teeth Whitening Top-Ups
Depending on your lifestyle and diet, whitening results can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. To continue the brightness, many patients choose:
- At-home top-up trays
- Occasional in-practice refresh treatments
- If you have any questions regarding this, your dentist will advise the safest and most effective option for you.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
With the correct teeth whitening aftercare, many patients are able to maintain their brighter smile for well over a year. However, results vary depending on:
- Diet
- Smoking habits
- Oral hygiene routine
- The type of whitening treatment used
Teeth whitening is an investment in your confidence! By following the right teeth whitening aftercare steps and maintaining good oral hygiene, you can keep your smile looking bright and healthy for as long as possible. If you’re considering professional teeth whitening or would like advice on maintaining your results, contact our expert team today to book a consultation!
