To obtain a brighter, healthier-looking smile in a short time, teeth whitening is an ideal and simple dental solution. A brighter smile can improve a person’s appearance, outlook and confidence in as little as one in-office visit. Teeth whitening is one of the most requested cosmetic dentistry procedures, and each year Americans spend $1.4 billion on store-bought teeth-whitening products. In-office teeth whitening procedures, like those at Dupont Dental in Washington, DC, produces better, safer results than store-bought products and are non-invasive alternatives to other cosmetic dental procedures including veneers, crowns and bonding. In order to maintain a brighter smile obtained through teeth-whitening, patients should avoid consuming certain foods that can dull or stain the teeth prematurely.
Maintaining A Whitened Smile
To help maintain a brighter smile after teeth-whitening, patients need to continue practicing good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily. Another way to prolong the effects of an in-office teeth-whitening treatment is by avoiding food and drink that can cause stains and sensitivity.
Dark/staining foods – Food more likely to stain a whitened smile include dark soups, tomato sauces, blueberries, strawberries, soy sauce, stews and dark chocolate. Indian and Spanish cuisine can cause stains due to the curry and tomato sauces used in such ethnic foods.
Dark drinks – Clear or light drinks such as water or milk help maintain a white smile, but darker drinks such as coffee can quickly stain a freshly whitened smile. Along with coffee, drinks that can stain teeth include red wine, tea, kale juice, dark fruit juices, tomato juice and dark-colored sports drinks and soda. Using a straw while drinking darker liquids can help prevent staining and reduce the contact the beverage has with teeth.
Acidic foods – Sometimes teeth whitening can cause temporary sensitivity in patients. To minimize this sensitivity, patients should avoid acidic foods and drinks such citrus drinks and soda. The sensitivity should pass within 48-72 hours so patients can return to enjoying their favorite foods.
Cold food and drinks – Temporary sensitivity following teeth whitening can also make it uncomfortable to consume cold drinks such as ice water and cold food like ice cream and frozen desserts. Although patients may have to avoid extremely cold foods for a while, the sensitivity will subside quickly.
In-office teeth whitening is one of the most popular, effective and safe cosmetic dentistry treatments available today. A brighter smile can help patients achieve a more youthful look and restore confidence in their smile.
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