Regardless of how often you brush and floss, your teeth are bound to change color, especially if you consume a lot of caffeine or colored foods and drinks. The change is slow and gradual, almost unnoticeable until you compare before-and-after photos. The good news is that this process can be reversed.
Teeth whitening is one of the quickest and most economical ways to enhance your smile and restore those pearly whites. Here at North Pointe Dental Associates, home to the best dentists in Tampa, we take great pride in the smiles of our patients. Today, we are breaking down all the dos and don’ts of teeth whitening and answering some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive from our patients.
The dos
As any Tampa-based dentist will tell you, good oral hygiene is crucial for ensuring a bright smile. Regular brushing will help you avoid and reduce the buildup that might make it hard for the whitening agent to do its job. This is why we advise all of our patients to pay particular attention to their oral hygiene before teeth whitening. In some cases, we might even recommend professional cleaning before the procedure to guarantee the best results.
While cleaning your teeth, your dentist will have an opportunity to assess them and check for issues, including gum disease, tooth decay, and periodontal disease. All of these issues can negatively affect the teeth whitening procedure.
While there are many over-the-counter teeth whitening products, we do advise our patients to have a professional do it. While the over-the-counter products can have short-term benefits, only professional teeth whitening will whiten your teeth instead of only removing stains on the surface. Moreover, your dentist will ensure that all teeth are whitened equally and that the new shade matches your skin tone.
The don’ts
One of the most important things to remember is to avoid dark foods and beverages, both before-and-after teeth whitening. This is especially true for the first few days after the treatment. By avoiding dark-colored foods and drinks, you will not need to visit for touch-ups and your pearly whites will remain intact for a much longer time.
You should also avoid acidic foods and drinks, such as sodas, tea, and acidic fruits. The acid will break down the outer layer of the enamel and cause staining. If you do eat or drink something acidic, you should brush and floss immediately after.
Schedule your appointment today!
Maintaining good oral hygiene and healthy, white teeth is a marathon and not a sprint. Accordingly, make sure not to skip your regular checkups. Checkups are a great way for your dentist to detect issues, such as cavities, discoloration, and early signs of periodontal disease, early on. Learning the dos and don’ts of teeth whitening can extent the duration of teeth whitening.
North Pointe Dental Associates is home to some of the best dentists in Tampa. We specialize both in general and cosmetic dentistry, and we treat everything from toothache to sleep apnea in Tampa and the greater area.
Give us a call at (813) 961-1727 and schedule your next appointment today!
