How to Extend the Results of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is among the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments that bring people to BH Dental NY in the Morningside Heights area of Harlem, New York City. Virtually everyone wants to achieve a brighter, whiter smile, and working with Leslie Azran, DDS, is a great way to make the most of your grin. 

It only takes a short visit to boost your smile by multiple shades. Once you see how great your teeth look after professional in-office teeth whitening, you’ll want to do everything in your power to maintain those results. The following tips can help you keep your smile bright.

Your teeth can still become stained after professional whitening

To begin, let’s face the fact that professional teeth whitening creates impressive results, but cannot prevent new stains and discoloration from developing. There is no treatment that can stain-proof your teeth, so it’s up to you to take steps toward avoiding new staining. 

Both at-home and in-office teeth whitening use strong whitening agents to remove existing stains and discoloration. At-home kits provided by Dr. Azran work gradually, allowing you to brighten your smile over time. In-office whitening uses the ZOOM!® system from Philips®, which relies on a professional-grade whitening agent activated by a special LED light.

No matter which option you choose, your teeth will be brighter after treatment. But if you have habits that cause staining, your results may not last as long as you’d like. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid future staining and enjoy your brightened smile for years. 

Begin by learning about common sources of staining

One of the most common causes of teeth discoloration is smoking (using other tobacco products can also be problematic). If you smoke, you’re exposing your teeth to countless chemicals in addition to nicotine and tar. It is almost certain that your teeth will take on a yellow or brown cast over time, and the more you smoke, the worse the discoloration will be. 

The food and drinks you choose can also lead to teeth discoloration. When it comes to your favorite drinks, options like coffee, tea, red wine, and grape juice can all change the color of your teeth. Dark-colored sodas can be especially harmful, due to dyes and high acid content.

Foods that are deeply colored can also stain teeth. Berries, pomegranate, and any other brightly colored fruit can change the color of your teeth. Sauces like tomato sauce, soy sauce, and certain curries are also known to stain teeth. Many people are surprised to learn that potatoes can also contribute to discoloration.

Take steps to minimize the risk of staining

If you’re a smoker, you may want to consider finding a smoking cessation program that works for you and quitting the habit for good. Your dental health will benefit, as will your overall health and wellness. 

When it comes to food and drinks, many of the choices that can stain your teeth are also very good for your health. You don’t have to forego brightly colored food and beverages to keep your teeth looking great. One way to offset the risk of staining is by rinsing your mouth or gently brushing your teeth after enjoying these particular foods and drinks. 

In terms of beverages, many people shift to using a straw to reduce the amount of fluid that makes contact with their teeth. This can take some getting used to, but it’s worth finding a reusable straw and giving it a try, at least for beverages you enjoy at home. 

Leslie Azran, DDS, understands how much a bright smile can improve your confidence. Through her practice at BH Dental NY, Dr. Azran has helped many residents of the Morningside Heights area of Harlem, New York City, achieve and maintain smiles they are proud of. If you’re interested in learning more about professional teeth whitening options, reach out to the office today.