How to Prolong Your Teeth Whitening Results

Achieving a brighter, more confident smile with teeth whitening is a fantastic feeling—but how do you keep that sparkle shining long after your treatment? At Bahr Dentistry, we believe that maintaining your newly whitened smile should be as easy and rewarding as the treatment itself. Here are some expert tips to help you prolong your teeth whitening results and keep your smile looking its best.

1. Mind Your Diet

There are plenty of foods and drinks that affect the whiteness of your teeth, whether for better or for worse.

One of the best ways to protect your whitened smile is to be mindful of the foods and beverages you consume. Some items can cause discoloration and reduce the effectiveness of your whitening treatment.

We recommend eating lots of healthy fruit and vegetables to keep your smile healthy, as well as drinking milk for calcium.

Foods to Minimize

• Dark berries: Blueberries, blackberries, and other dark fruits can stain your teeth.
• Tomato-based sauces: The acidity and pigmentation in sauces can cause discoloration.
• Soy sauce and balsamic vinegar: These dark condiments can leave stains on the surface of your teeth.

Remember, these can be great in small quantities. If you have a food that might stain your teeth, you can also brush right after to minimize the risk of staining your teeth.

Drinks That May Cause Stains

• Coffee and tea: Both are known to cause yellowing if consumed regularly.
• Red wine: The dark pigment can cause stains if left on the teeth for long.
• Soda and sports drinks: Their acidity can erode enamel and make teeth more susceptible to stains.

Consider using a straw when drinking beverages that might stain your teeth—this can help keep the liquid away from your front teeth and reduce the risk of discoloration.

2. Brush and Floss Regularly

Good oral hygiene is the foundation of maintaining a bright smile. Brushing and flossing regularly helps remove surface stains and prevents plaque buildup that can dull your smile.

We also recommend scheduling regular cleanings with Bahr Dentistry to keep your teeth in top shape. Our team will help ensure that your oral hygiene routine supports the longevity of your whitening results.

How to Brush for Best Results:

• Brush twice daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a whitening toothpaste.
• Focus on technique: Brush in gentle circular motions to remove surface stains without damaging your enamel.
• Floss once a day: Flossing helps remove particles and plaque that brushing alone might miss.

3. Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Products

Smoking and tobacco products are some of the most common causes of tooth discoloration. If you’ve invested in teeth whitening, consider this a great time to quit smoking—not only for your smile but for your overall health. Nicotine and tar from tobacco can quickly lead to yellow or brown stains, making your whitening results fade faster.

4. Schedule Regular Touch-Ups

Teeth whitening is not a one-time fix; it requires occasional maintenance to keep your smile looking its best. The frequency of touch-ups depends on your lifestyle, how well you brush at home, and the type of whitening treatment you initially received.

Options for Touch-Ups

• In-office treatments: Quick and effective touch-ups done at Bahr Dentistry can refresh your smile in just one visit.
• At-home whitening kits: We offer professional-grade kits that are convenient and easy to use, providing a great option for maintaining your results between visits.

Dr. Bahr and our team will guide you through the best touch-up options to suit your needs and schedule.

5. Use a Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste can be a helpful addition to your daily routine. These toothpastes contain mild abrasives that gently polish your teeth, preventing new stains from setting in. While they don’t offer the same dramatic results as professional whitening, they are excellent for maintaining the brightness of your smile over time.

You can use your whitening toothpaste just once or twice a week to protect the enamel of your teeth, and then use your regular fluoride toothpaste the other days. You can always ask Dr. Bahr for product recommendations if you want suggestions on ways to keep your smile white.

6. Stay Hydrated

Drinking water throughout the day not only benefits your overall health but also helps protect your teeth from stains. Water rinses away food particles and acids from your mouth, reducing the chance of discoloration. If you indulge in a stain-causing food or drink, follow it up with a glass of water to minimize its effects on your teeth. You can even brush your teeth after if you want.