We know how dreamy your smile looks after stepping out of the dentist’s office with the teeth whitening treatment you’ve always wanted. But now you’re worried about the aftercare to keep your teeth white for a longer time? No more worries! We have come up with some helpful tips and techniques for you to keep them shiny pearls, white, and bright.
What Should be Your Immediate Care Tips After Teeth Whitening?
Congrats on your brighter smile! Now that you’ve had your teeth whitened, keeping them fresh and white comes down to a few easy steps. First of all, avoid foods and drinks that could stain your teeth, like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sauces, for the first 48 hours. Think of it this way: if it could stain a white T-shirt, it might stain your teeth!
However, if you really can’t resist a cup of coffee or a glass of soda, at least use a straw. It can minimize contact with your teeth and keep them looking whiter for longer. The staining property of these drinks is what makes teeth whitening for coffee drinkers and wine lovers a necessity. Also, do not forget to drink plenty of water. It can wash away food particles, which can make your teeth less prone to staining. Another bonus? Water keeps your breath fresher and helps prevent dry mouth. So, keep a water bottle handy, especially when you’re out or at work.
Right after whitening, your teeth can be a bit more sensitive. Therefore, you should stay away from very hot or cold foods and drinks, as these could make that sensitivity feel worse. When it comes to brushing, you need to be careful too. Make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be gentle for the first couple of days.
These little steps can go a long way in keeping your smile bright and white. Just remember, the fresher you keep your teeth right after whitening, the longer you’ll enjoy that sparkling smile!
5 Tips to Maintain Whitened Teeth in the Long Run
You undergo a teeth whitening treatment for one purpose: to make your smile brighter and more beautiful. Therefore, things that you do after the treatment have a key role in maintaining your new white smile. In this section, we’ve listed some important aftercare practices to make sure you can enjoy your white smile for a lifetime.
1. Keep Your Whitening Diet
As mentioned earlier, after a teeth-whitening treatment, your enamel can be more likely to absorb colors. Therefore, the foods and drinks you choose can make a big difference. This means limiting things like
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine,
- Brightly colored sauces
Try drinking water afterward or chewing sugar-free gum to clear any staining particles from your mouth. And remember, you don’t have to give these foods up forever; just try to balance them with things that are easier on your teeth, like dairy, apples, and other lighter-colored foods.
2. Don’t Forget to Brush and Floss Regularly
Keeping up with daily brushing and flossing is a powerful way to protect that new, white smile. Plaque and leftover food particles can easily turn into staining over time if they’re not cleaned away. That’s why you should brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and remember to be gentle because after all, you want to protect the enamel you’ve just brightened up!
What is the Best Whitening Toothpaste to Keep Your Teeth White?
Adding a whitening toothpaste into your routine a few times a week can help, too. Just make sure it’s one that’s safe for daily use and doesn’t have harsh abrasives, which could wear down your enamel over time. Some top options include:
- Those with baking soda, like Arm & Hammer.
- Those with hydrogen peroxide, such as Crest 3D White Brilliance Pro’s 3X, which contains 4% hydrogen peroxide.
- Those that are enamel-safe choices like Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening.

3. Rinse Your Mouth After Meals
Even a quick swish of water can help keep your teeth bright! Rinsing your mouth after meals washes away food particles and acids, which can otherwise settle on your teeth and cause stains. You don’t always need to run for your toothbrush, but just rinsing out your mouth helps prevent food from clinging to your teeth.
This tip is especially useful if you’ve had something like coffee or a rich pasta sauce. When you can’t brush right away, a quick rinse is an easy backup to keep your teeth looking fresh between meals.
4. Schedule Touch-Up Treatments
Whether your teeth remain white for a long time after your treatment is influenced by several factors. This is why we emphasize scheduling a touch-up treatment every six months to a year. Your dentist can check your teeth’ condition and make sure they’re not getting stained again. We’ll come back to that in a bit!
Your Smile Awaits a Whitening Makeover!
Our teeth whitening services welcome walk-in patients and provide the most affordable and effective treatments for your stained teeth. Contact us today to book your appointment!
5. Try to Quit Smoking (If You Do)
Smoking and white teeth don’t go together well. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes can leave yellow or brown stains on your teeth, which can be stubborn and hard to remove. If you’re a smoker, cutting back or quitting can make a huge difference in keeping your teeth white over time.
Aside from appearance, quitting smoking has countless benefits for your overall health, including your gums and oral health. If you’re thinking of quitting or cutting down, there are resources and support out there to help. Moreover, your dentist can also offer tips for keeping your teeth stain-free as you make changes.
How Do Professional Touch-Ups Work?
These touch-ups are a great way to maintain your bright smile after an initial whitening treatment. When you go in for a touch-up, your dentist will first take a look at how your teeth are holding up and see what shade they are now. They’ll then decide on the best way to boost that brightness again. The whole process usually takes about an hour, and your dentist will carefully apply the gel and might even use a special light to help it work better.
How Often Should You Schedule Whitening Touch-Ups?
It all depends on your individual needs and lifestyle, but a good rule of thumb is to schedule touch-ups every six months to a year. If you’ve had staining foods and drinks regularly, you might find that your teeth start to lose their brightness a bit sooner, so you may need touch-ups every four to six months.
Can You Replace At-Home Whitening Kits with Touch-Ups?
Home kits are great for regular maintenance and can help keep your teeth bright between visits. That said, they usually don’t provide the same level of whitening power that a professional treatment can offer. Professional touch-ups often use stronger formulas and techniques that can target deeper stains. Additionally, your dentist can check your dental health and customize the treatment to your needs.
All in all, think of at-home kits as a helpful complement to professional touch-ups rather than a replacement.
Final Word
Keeping your smile bright after a whitening treatment is all about forming good habits and being consistent with your routine. Don’t forget to pick the right toothpaste, schedule those touch-ups, and benefit from at-home kits to properly maintain your dazzling smile. If you’re looking for personalized whitening options or need a professional touch-up, we’d love to help at Smile Point Dental! Our team can provide you with the best care and ensure safe and effective results. So why not reach out and schedule an appointment?
FAQ
1. Why do my teeth not stay white after whitening?
Teeth can become discolored again after whitening because of exposure to certain foods, drinks, and lifestyle habits. Dark-colored foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and sauces can stain teeth over time. Also, smoking or chewing tobacco is another major cause of discoloration.
2. How can I prolong my teeth whitening results?
To keep your smile bright, avoid stain-causing foods and drinks, or use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth. Also, maintain a good oral hygiene routine, which means brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using a whitening toothpaste once a week. Regular cleanings with your dentist will help remove surface stains and keep your teeth looking their best.
3. How long will my teeth stay white after treatment?
Results can vary depending on your diet and oral hygiene habits, but typically, teeth whitening can last from several months to a couple of years. Avoiding stain-causing foods and maintaining good oral care practices will help prolong the effects.