How to Prolong the Effects of Teeth Whitening Treatment
Patients that are new to teeth whitening often worry that their teeth won't stay white for very long after their treatment. This is understandable since certain habits can quickly reverse the effects of teeth whitening. Fortunately, you can prolong the effects of a teeth-whitening treatment.
With a little discipline, and by taking the following actions, you can ensure that you get the best out of your next teeth whitening treatment.
Reduce your intake of tannin-rich foods and drinks
When a food or drink contains tannins, it usually has a bitter taste. Some examples of foods and drinks that contain tannins are:
- Tea
- Coffee
- Wine
- Beer
- Grape juice
- Blueberries
- Cherries
- Cranberries
But tannins don't work alone to stain teeth. Many of the foods and drinks that contain tannins also contain chromogens. A chromogen is a substance found in plants that can become a pigment or a dye in order to colour food or clothing, for instance. Tannins bind to tooth enamel, and chromogens bind to tannins. So when you partake of tannin-rich foods or drinks, your teeth will gradually stain.
To prolong the effects of your teeth whitening treatment, then, identify which foods and drinks are rich in tannins and chromogens, and cut down on or avoid them. If you love tea, coffee or wine, you can reduce staining by drinking through a straw and by rinsing your mouth out with water after each sip.
Eat foods that brush your teeth as you eat
Certain fruits and vegetables are stringy and fibrous. If you eat these fruits and vegetables throughout the day, their tough and fibrous texture will help to rub off staining molecules as well as acidic compounds and oral bacteria from your teeth, much like a toothbrush. Some examples of fibrous and tough fruits and vegetables are:
- Celery
- Rhubarb
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Apples
- Pears
- Onions
Some of these foods can make great snacks throughout the day as they are healthy and they mimic the effect of your toothbrush.
Eat cheese before meals
One way that teeth can stain is when acidic foods and the acids produced by oral bacteria cause enamel to demineralize. As enamel loses minerals, pits and fissures appear on its surface. Staining molecules can then lodge in those pits and fissures. You can prevent acid erosion by eating cheese before meals. Cheese contains casein, a compound that forms a protective layer on teeth.
Cheese will be especially useful if you wish to partake of something acidic, such as a soft drink. Before you drink the soft drink, chew a piece of cheese thoroughly to coat your teeth with casein and form a protective film.
For more information about teeth whitening tips, contact a local service.
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