When you make any type of investment, it’s natural to do everything in your power to make the most of it. When it comes to cosmetic dental procedures, teeth whitening in Wetherfield is one of the best investments you can make! But how can you be sure to get the best result – and make it last? Easy! Try eating primarily from the “white diet,” both in the weeks prior to whitening and immediately afterward. It’s especially important to watch your habits and dietary choices in the weeks after your whitening treatment to help keep your new smile it’s brightest. Want to know more about which foods are included in the white diet? You’ll find out below!
Why Are the First Few Weeks After Whitening Especially Important?
You would never know it without a microscope, but your teeth are actually covered in tiny “pores” that allow sensations like cold and pressure to reach the tooth’s nerve. Unfortunately, these pores are also responsible for allowing pigments from foods and beverages to stain your teeth!
Coffee, tea, red wine, berries, turmeric, tobacco and tomato sauce are all classic examples of foods and beverages that will cause staining over time.
Under normal conditions, the pores on your teeth remain somewhat closed. But whitening gel causes them to temporarily “open” for around 2-3 weeks, which makes your teeth extra porous. During this time, your teeth are like sponges, making them extremely susceptible to being stained.
What Is the White Diet and How Can It Help?
The white diet is just what it sounds like: It includes all the foods and beverages that aren’t brightly colored, such as:
- Dairy products like yogurt, milk, cheese and cottage cheese
- Fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, apples, potatoes and cauliflower
- Rice
- Pasta with white sauce
- Chicken and fish
- White wine
- Water and other clear beverages
And remember, a diet focused on white foods can be quite healthy in the short-term. But it’s important for overall health to return to eating a normal diet with a wide variety of foods about three weeks after your whitening treatment.
But, rest assured, even when you’re eating brightly colored foods again, there are still some things you can do to prevent them from ruining the beautiful result you get after whitening!
What Else Can You Do To Maintain Your New Shade?
The best way to maintain your white smile is to have good hygiene habits and get regular checkups and cleanings with a cosmetic dentist in Wetherfield. The daily removal of plaque and stains, combined with a professional polish every six months, will keep your teeth looking great!
Having said that, everyone needs to touch up from time to time. The average is about once per year, but that always depends on your habits and dietary choices.
Whitening your teeth is a wonderful way to transform the appearance of your smile. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to enjoy your results for as long as possible!
About the Author
Dr. Thomas Dolan is a general, restorative and cosmetic dentist who knows that his patients want more than great results – they want great results that last! That’s why he always takes the time to make sure that patients know the best way to maintain their smiles after professional whitening. If you have any questions, he can be reached via his website or at (860) 529-2000.