What Should You Avoid After Teeth Whitening?
May 1, 2023
What Is a Teeth Whitening Procedure?
It is a procedure to remove or lighten discoloration on teeth for a whiter appearance. Teeth staining or discoloration can occur in two ways, extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains appear on the tooth surface due to taking colored foods or drinks, smoking, or regular wear. They can be removed through cleaning and whitening by a dentist near you. Intrinsic stains form inside the tooth as a result of trauma, genetics, excess fluoride, and antibiotics use. These stains are not easily removed. They require months of teeth whitening to achieve a whiter smile. Some can only be lightened but not eliminated. So, the dentist will recommend cosmetic dental treatments to disguise their appearance. Therefore, a teeth whitening procedure will vary depending on the type of stains on the teeth. You can remove light extrinsic stains through at-home teeth whitening. This involves using store-bought whitening kits as per the manufacturer’s instructions. The method does not achieve excellent results and may damage your gums or teeth. Extrinsic and intrinsic stains can be effectively cleared through professional teeth whitening. The procedure is safely performed by a dentist in their dental office. They use a highly concentrated bleaching agent and other techniques to achieve a perfectly white smile. The dentist will apply the bleaching agent on your teeth and shine a special light on them. The light produces heat that accelerates the whitening process. Some bleaching methods include laser teeth whitening, LED teeth whitening, and ZOOM! Teeth whitening. Also, the dentist can customize at-home whitening kits to eradicate stubborn intrinsic stains.How to Take Care of Your Teeth After Teeth Whitening
In-office teeth whitening substantially improves the brightness and whiteness of your smile. Your new smile will look whiter and more attractive. However, whitening is not a permanent solution to discoloration. Your teeth are susceptible to stains and will lose their brilliantness after a while. So, they need special care for a prolonged whitened effect. Below are tips for caring for your teeth after whitening.- Reduce sensitivity
- Avoid colored foods and beverages
- Avoid tobacco products
- Follow up with your dentist