Here’s something interesting: Teeth whitening treatment might be better than a facelift. A recent study shows that having a bright smile can make one look five to 10 years younger. And the benefits don’t stop there. Whiter teeth can also make you seem more and even increase your employability, all while making you more confident about speaking and smiling. No wonder many people go to a dentist for professional teeth whitening services.

Teeth whitening treatment that is done in a dental clinic tends to bring longer-lasting results than at-home whitening kits. To make your teeth whiter for longer, it’s also important to take good care of your oral health at home.

  1. Watch what you eat.

The first 2 days after treatment is particularly critical, so watch your food intake because certain types of food can discolour your teeth. Avoid these:

  • Coffee/tea
  • Fruit juice
  • Dark-coloured sauces like soy sauce, pasta sauce, barbecue sauce
  • Dark chocolate
  • Acidic food like lemon sand other citrus fruits that weaken the teeth’s enamel

A good rule of thumb is to avoid taking any food that will likely stain a white shirt for at least 48 hours after the procedure. Stick to white meat, white-coloured vegetables, non-acidic fruits, and colourless beverages. If you really must have coffee, use a straw to keep the liquid from coming into contact with your teeth. Don’t sip it directly from a cup.

  1. Observe proper oral hygiene.

It’s all the more important to brush and floss properly after your teeth whitening treatment. Brush at least twice a day and floss at least once daily. Ask your dentist if you can rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash and use whitening toothpaste once or twice a week to remove surface stains.

  1. Consider getting touch-up treatments.

Teeth whitening results won’t last forever, so it makes sense to get touch-up treatments every year or every six months (depending on your lifestyle). Your dentist will let you know how often you need them.

Teeth whitening services are available at Maxwell Heights Dental. Call our Oshawa dental center to book a consultation.