Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure that many people turn to for a brighter smile. However, the effectiveness and longevity after getting teeth whitening near you can be influenced by several factors, including diet and lifestyle choices. Whether you’ve had a professional whitening treatment or are using over-the-counter products, the foods you eat and the habits you follow can make a significant difference in your results. Here’s how:
1. Foods and Drinks That Stain Your Teeth
Some specific types of food and beverages are well known for causing stains. Might reverse the results of teeth whitening procedures, such as;
- Coffee and Tea: Both coffee and tea contain tannins that may cause discoloration of your teeth with consumption over time.
- Red Wine: Similar to coffee, red wine contains tannins and pigments that can penetrate the enamel.
- Berries: Dark-coloured berries, like blueberries and blackberries, may lead to staining because of their pigments.
- Curry and Tomato Sauces: These foods are highly pigmented and can cause stains on the teeth, especially if consumed frequently.
Avoiding or limiting these items can help maintain your bright teeth after smile teeth whitening. If you do indulge, it’s a good idea to rinse your mouth with water afterward or brush your teeth if possible.
2. Acidic Foods and Drinks
Foods and beverages with acidity, like citrus fruits and soda, can harm tooth enamel. This can counteract the effects of teeth whitening, whether you’re undergoing a professional treatment or using teeth whitening at home. To prevent enamel damage and avoid the impact of teeth-whitening treatments, you should consume these foods in moderation. Wait for half an hour before brushing your teeth.
3. Smoking and Tobacco Use
Using tobacco products such as cigarettes and smokeless tobacco is notorious for causing teeth discoloration due to the presence of nicotine and tar in these products, which can lead to yellowing of the teeth that is challenging to get rid of compared to other sources of stains. If you aim to preserve your whitened teeth appearance, one of the beneficial actions you could take is to stop smoking or using tobacco altogether.
4. Maintaining hydration and oral health practices
Ensuring you stay hydrated and maintaining health is essential for keeping your teeth in top shape and looking radiant. Drinking an amount of water is beneficial as it helps wash food remnants and prevents discoloration of the teeth. In addition to this practice of hydration maintenance through water consumption, brushing and flossing are crucial in eliminating plaque buildup, which can cause your teeth to lose their natural shine and develop a yellowish tint over time. Another key point to bear in mind is to use toothpaste that’s gentle on your enamel while brushing to prevent any damage, especially after undergoing whitening procedures.
5. Supplements and Medications
Certain medicines have the potential to change the color of your teeth; for example, antibiotics such as tetracycline may lead to stains on your teeth surface. These medications can reduce saliva production, which plays a role in protecting and cleaning your teeth. If you are currently taking medication or supplements, it’s advisable to talk to your dentist about how they could affect the outcome of any teeth-whitening procedures you’re considering.
6. Lifestyle Habits
Besides what you eat, there are lifestyle habits that can affect the results of teeth whitening.
- Remember to brush your teeth after meals to get rid of food particles and avoid stains from forming on your teeth.
- Chewing sugar-free gum can promote saliva production to naturally clean your teeth and prevent discoloration.
- Routine dental appointments are important for maintaining health as they involve cleanings that can eliminate plaque and tartar, which may not be effectively tackled by whitening products over the counter.
By taking care of your diet and lifestyle choices, you can enhance the longevity and effectiveness of your Zoom teeth whitening results.
Maintaining Your Bright Smile at Marigold Dental Clinic
At Marigold Dental Clinic, we know that a smile can be so much more than just good. Provide personal teeth whitening options to help you achieve and maintain your ideal results. Our knowledgeable staff are more than happy to suggest, based on your diet and lifestyle conditions, how to care for your smile. Call our dentist in Pitt Meadows today for an appointment and more information about our whitening services!