How to Extend the Results of Teeth Whitening

When your teeth are stained or yellowed, you might feel reluctant to smile. You may worry that your stained teeth are turning people off or distracting them from the positive impression you're trying to make.

Alternatively, having a bright, white smile can help you feel your best at work and in social situations. When your teeth are attractive, you're more likely to laugh and smile.

In-office teeth whitening offers a safe, effective way to brighten your smile. Here at VaraniSmile in Turlock, California, general dentist Antoine Varani and our team of dental care providers love seeing how happy our patients are with the results of their teeth whitening treatments. 

Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to extend the results of your teeth whitening treatments. Here, Dr. Varani shares strategies for keeping your whitened smile as bright as possible.

Quit smoking

You already know that smoking is bad for your health. But did you know that it's also bad for your teeth? In addition to increasing your risk of gum disease, smoking causes yellow or brown stains on your teeth. It also leads to bad breath.

If you need help quitting, talk with Dr. Varani or your primary care doctor. For tips, advice, and smoking cessation apps, check out Smokefree.gov.

Step #2: Brush regularly

Our in-office teeth whitening system, Philips Zoom WhiteSpeed, uses advanced blue LED light-accelerated whitening technology to remove stains from your teeth. In less than an hour, the system can make your teeth eight shades brighter.

One of the best ways to maintain that brightness is to brush your teeth regularly, at least twice a day, using a whitening toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. Regular brushing is especially essential if you consume staining-prone foods and drinks. These include:

• Berries (particularly blueberries and blackberries)
• Coffee and tea
• Cola
• Curries
• Red wine
• Tomato products (such as pasta sauce)

Also, scheduling regular dental cleanings with our team helps keep your teeth shining brightly.

Floss regularly

Flossing helps remove food particles from the difficult-to-reach spaces between your teeth, where they can easily become lodged. If you're not sure how to floss properly, ask our dental hygienists to show you. Our hygienists are happy to educate patients on smile-care best practices!

Rinse when you can't brush

Giving your mouth a good rinse with water can help wash away many of the remnants of stain-causing foods and drinks. Take a sip of water, swish it around, and then swallow or spit. And make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Know your prescriptions

Certain prescription medications can contribute to the staining of your teeth. For example, medications that contain tetracycline can discolor your smile.

Never stop taking any medication without your doctor's guidance. But you can talk with your primary care doctor about whether substitutions exist for any of the teeth-discoloring drugs you take.

Brighten your smile

Don't hide your stained teeth any longer. To schedule an appointment for teeth whitening at VaraniSmile, call us at (209) 248-6659 or use our easy online booking form.