Things To Avoid When Whitening Your Teeth
Brushing and flossing daily is a way to keep your teeth white, bright, and healthy. However, if your teeth need a little more sparkle, you can consider teeth whitening options. Teeth whitening is a process that involves the use of whitening products that contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxides bleaches.
These bleaches brighten the teeth by breaking down stains into smaller pieces. The whitening products with the most bleach concentration are the most effective and can legally be used for professional teeth whitening only. While teeth whitening isn’t permanent, how long it lasts depends on the person. It can last for a few months to three years. However, the effect can be affected by our eating habits.
Types of teeth whitening options
Before deciding to whiten your teeth, you need to consult your dentist. This is because not all whiteners can correct all types of discoloration. For instance, teeth with gray tones may not bleach, and yellow or brown teeth may not brighten as desired. But with your dentist’s guidance, you can choose a whitening option that suits you best. Here are teeth whitening options our Downton Seattle dentist may recommend to you.
In-office Whitening
This tooth whitening procedure usually requires a single appointment with your dentist. The process begins with the dentist first ensuring that your gums are protected from bleach. Next, they will place a rubber shield or apply a protective gel on your gums. Then they will apply the bleaching product on your teeth using a special tray.
At-Home Whitening from The Dentist
Your dentist may decide to provide you with a customized tray that you can use at home. The dentist gives instructions on placing and using the bleaching solution provided. This option is preferred by patients who are more comfortable whitening their teeth at home. However, at-home bleaching can take a few days to weeks to take full effect.
What To Avoid When Whitening Your Teeth
Teeth whitening is a process whether you get the service professionally or at home. While this process can take weeks, experts at Seattle Sound Dental advise avoiding certain things to get the best out of it. A common myth is that professional teeth whitening can lead to more teeth discolorations. While this is generally not true, your teeth are more susceptible to staining by drinks and foods immediately after the procedure. The reason is that the dentist opens up your teeth’s pores for the whitening gel during the process. The gel must penetrate deep into the enamel to remove even the most stubborn stains. Therefore, after teeth whitening in downtown Seattle be careful of what you are consuming. The following are what you can avoid after the procedure.
Avoid sugary or Acidic Foods and Beverages
A common side effect after teeth whitening is temporary gum irritation and tooth sensitivity. Acidic food substances will increase gum irritants and tooth sensitivity. For about 48 hours following the bleaching, stay away from citrus fruits, sports drinks, vitamin water, and vinegar. Food substances high in sugar and acid also weaken your enamel even further. In addition, they could trigger decay-causing bacteria that can cause staining and irritation.
Stay Away from Colored Beverages
Drinks with intense and pigmented colors can easily stain teeth. One must avoid them for the first two to three days after the process. If your teeth whitening procedure takes more than one day, avoid these drinks at all costs. Some of these drinks include:
- Coffee & tea
- Red wine
- Beer
- Colored pasta
- Fruit juice
- Carbonated drinks or sport soda
Dark- Colored Foods
Ever eaten Cheez Doodles or Nacho Chips and noticed stains on your fingers? Then you certainly don’t want that neon orange on your teeth. Acidic or foods that use a vibrant artificial food color will damage and stain your tooth enamel. Food substances that are dark colored-include:
- Dark chocolate
- Tomatoes
- Red meat
- Blueberries or strawberries
- Dark marinades
- Popsicles
Remember, these foods can stain your teeth even before any whitening treatment. Now imagine what they can do post-whitening when your teeth are most vulnerable.
Conclusion
Teeth whitening is a safe procedure to help you have that bright smile. However, to maintain that bright smile, there are things you should avoid, such as colored or pigmented drinks and foods. Contact our dental office near for more after-tips during and after the teeth whitening.