Teeth whitening treatments have become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to their ability to enhance one’s appearance. With more individuals seeking a whiter smile, dentists have been performing teeth whitening procedures at an unprecedented rate.
However, there are always a few patients who unintentionally ignore the post-treatment instructions provided by their dentists, leading to unsatisfactory results that do not meet their expectations.
Common Behaviours that impact the results of teeth whitening treatment
1. Failure to Abstain from Dark Drinks
One of the most common mistakes patients make after teeth whitening is failing to abstain from drinks that can stain their teeth. It’s important to remember that immediately after the treatment, your teeth are more susceptible to absorbing pigments from various beverages. Avoiding drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas for at least 48 hours after the procedure is crucial. However, some individuals disregard this advice, leading to the reintroduction of stains and discoloration.
2. You Suddenly Start Smoking
Smoking is not only harmful to your overall health, but it also has a detrimental effect on the color and appearance of your teeth. Tobacco contains tar and nicotine, which can quickly stain the teeth, undoing the effects of the teeth whitening treatments. Dentists often emphasize the importance of avoiding smoking after the procedure to maintain results. Ignoring this advice can frustrate your dentist, as they have put effort into achieving the desired outcome, only for it to be compromised by smoking.
3. You Don’t Avoid Dark-Colored Foods
Like beverages, certain foods have intense pigments that can stain your teeth. After a tooth whitening treatment, avoiding dark-colored foods such as berries, tomato sauce, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar is essential. These foods contain strong pigments that can penetrate the tooth enamel, leading to discoloration. Patients who disregard this advice often experience a decrease in the effectiveness and longevity of their teeth whitening treatment.
4. Using Teeth Whitening Products Without Consulting Your Dentist
Teeth Whitening products available over the counter can be tempting, especially when patients desire a quick touch-up or further improvement. However, using these products without consulting your dentist can lead to destructive consequences. The concentration of bleaching agents in these products may be too high or incompatible with the previous treatment, resulting in tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, or uneven whitening. Dentists have the expertise to assess your specific needs and recommend the most suitable and safe whitening products, so it is important to consult them before trying any additional treatments at home.
Teeth Whitening treatments can provide exceptional results, enhancing your smile and boosting your confidence. However, achieving and maintaining those results requires adherence to the post-treatment instructions provided by your dentist. To ensure the best possible outcome and protect your dental health, it is necessary to follow your dentist’s instructions diligently.
If you are looking for a dentist for professional teeth whitening in Livonia, MI, contact Livonia Family Smiles and book a consultation. With teeth whitening treatments that provide effective results, we can help you improve your smile, and boost confidence. Get in touch with us for teeth whitening treatment and achieve a brighter and whiter smile.