5 Teeth Whitening Mistakes to Avoid

Dentist Blog

A white and bright smile is considered universally attractive. As such, if your teeth are starting to look discolored, you may have made an appointment with a cosmetic dentist for a whitening treatment. A professional whitening treatment can truly transform your smile, but you must follow certain instructions to maintain your results.

Here are some common teeth whitening mistakes you want to avoid.

Drinking Stain-Causing Beverages

If you frequently drink stain-causing beverages after your teeth whitening treatment, your teeth can develop stains again. To protect your investment, avoid drinking coffee, tea, red wine, and fruit juices as often as possible. If you want to have these beverages on occasion, do not forget to drink through a straw.

Eating Stain-Causing Foods

You should also stay away from certain foods after your teeth whitening treatment. Stain-causing foods include dark-colored sauces, berries, red meat, acidic fruits, and chocolate. When you do get a craving for one of these foods, don't forget to rinse your mouth out with water after eating them.

Smoking

If you smoke tobacco products, now may be the time to stop for good. Smoking can easily stain your teeth, ruining your whitening results. The habit can also cause bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. If you quit smoking, you can protect your whitening results and overall health. If you are having trouble quitting on your own, do not hesitate to ask your doctor for help.

Not Brushing and Flossing Your Teeth Beforehand

Before you head out for your professional whitening treatment, remember to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth. If you don't, food particles and plaque can remain in your teeth and hinder the whitening process. The whitening solution might not be able to seep into your teeth.

Eating Hot and Cold Foods

After a teeth whitening treatment, it is normal for your teeth to be more sensitive than usual. That is why you should try to avoid hot and cold foods, such as pizza and ice cream, for at least a couple of days. They can irritate your teeth and cause you significant pain. To avoid unnecessary discomfort, stick to room temperature foods until your teeth get back to normal.

If you avoid making these common mistakes, you will be more likely to have successful teeth whitening results. Make an appointment with a cosmetic dental office today to achieve the bright smile you have always desired.

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23 October 2020

Getting Your Toddler to the Dentist Once and For All

Toddlers should see a dentist for the first time by the age of twelve months or by the time their first tooth comes in. But if you are a parent with toddlers anything like mine, the prospect of going to the dentist (let alone anywhere!) can be pretty intimidating. My kids were a handful growing up. They had tantrums any time we would have to sit in a waiting room, and they refused to get in the dentist's chair during their first few visits. So, I had to employ a professional to help me make the transition to finally getting them in that dental chair without all the screaming and crying. I know I'm not the only parent in this situation, so I decided to share the information I've learned with others who can use a little help. You can find all my advice right here on these pages!