Teeth whitening gives a semi-permanent effect that should ensure you have a bright smile for a long time to come, but it doesn’t last forever.
Over time, your teeth can become stained again, just due to exposure to the same kinds of things that discoloured them originally.
Because of this, the more you avoid those ‘usual suspects’ and the more rigorous you are about cleaning your teeth, the longer they will stay white.
In most cases, teeth whitening will last anywhere from several months to several years, and future discolouration will occur gradually, so your smile will still be whiter for a long time than it otherwise would have been.
Common causes of teeth staining
Teeth staining is a natural process. It’s part of the reason we regularly brush our teeth, and it’s the reason why teeth whitening procedures are now common practice.
Some of the most frequent causes of teeth staining include:
- Nicotine
- Tea and coffee
- Red wine
The alternatives to these can also be problematic. For example, white wine may cause less visible staining, but its acidity can make your teeth more vulnerable to staining in the future and can cause damage to your tooth enamel too.
Unfortunately, there is not always a good alternative to avoid future staining completely, but moderation and good dental hygiene will help.
How to care for whitened teeth
First and foremost, avoid dark coloured food and drink immediately after your teeth whitening procedure, when your enamel may be slightly more susceptible to new stains.
If you are concerned about keeping your teeth as white as possible for as long as possible, avoid the substances mentioned above, and also avoid highly acidic drinks such as citrus juices.
Follow a regular dental care routine using a brush you replace frequently, a good quality toothpaste, and other products such as floss and mouthwash.
Pay particular attention to your back teeth, the backs of your front teeth, and the places where your teeth join or meet your gums, as all of these can collect more food scraps and sediments.
Ask for help
The Ten Dental team is happy to give you some guidance on how to care for whitened teeth in the future after your procedure is complete.
Our teeth whitening techniques are designed to give you the best possible results, and that’s the perfect start to a long future with a brighter smile – the rest is up to you.
Contact our Wandsworth, Balham or Clapham clinic today for more information.