If you’re feeling self-conscious about dental stains, your dentist can help improve your confidence by brightening your enamel with professional teeth whitening services. Unlike commercial products, which often contain diluted bleach that can cause sensitivity or inconsistent results, your provider can safely lighten your smile with professional-grade materials.
However, the results aren’t permanent, and you may develop additional discoloration if you don’t take proper precautions. For example, consuming overly dark foods following treatment can potentially cause stains. Continue reading to learn more about options that can help preserve your recent cosmetic enhancement, instead!
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Over-the-counter solutions and professional-grade whitening are intended to function similarly. Most products contain a bleach, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, that is applied to your enamel. The chemical undergoes a reaction when it comes into contact with stain particles on your teeth and breaks them down into smaller, less concentrated components.
Many dentists offer both in-office procedures and customized take-home kits so you can choose the treatment that best suits you. In many cases, a single, hour-long appointment with your provider can lighten your smile by several shades for immediate results. Those who opt for the convenience of a take-home kit often see changes within two weeks of using the product as intended.
What Foods Can Help Maintain My Brighter Smile?
You might already know that you can help prevent additional discoloration by steering clear of foods known to cause stains, such as tea, coffee, wine, berries, and tomatoes. Thankfully, there are several foods you can eat to help maintain the results, such as:
- Carrots and celery. Chomping into raw vegetables like these can naturally scrub your enamel to keep it clean, and also stimulate saliva production to help remove unwanted residue or bacteria.
- Strawberries. You might think these would cause stains because of their red hue, but contain malic acid, which naturally whitens enamel.
- Diary products. Milk, yogurt, and cheese are unlikely to discolor your teeth and are high in calcium to strengthen your enamel so it can better resist potential problems.
Are There Other Ways to Avoid Dental Stains?
Making conscientious dietary choices can help you maintain your beautifully brightened grin, but there are several additional ways you can help preserve the perfect shade, including:
- Implement an at-home dental hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing twice daily regularly removes residue that gives pigmented particles something to cling to.
- Schedule touch-ups. The results are not permanent, and you might require periodic retreatment to keep the ideal hue longer-term.
- Quit smoking. Cigarettes contain harmful ingredients, like nicotine, that can cause discoloration and increase the risk of oral issues, including cancer.
- Attend routine dental exams. Visiting your dentist for a checkup and cleaning every six months allows them to monitor your smile and polish away more recent surface stains.
If you have further questions about professional teeth whitening with your dentist, scheduling a consultation can provide the answers you seek!
About the Practice
Patients with Glastonbury Dental Associates benefit from a team of dentists eager to help families build the healthiest, most beautiful versions of their smiles. They share decades of combined experience and collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services, including teeth whitening, at one convenient location. They offer both in-office procedures and customized take-home kits for quality cosmetic results you can count on. You are welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (860) 633-3671.