Maintaining results after you've had your teeth whitened in Mission Viejo

One of the unexpected benefits of teeth whitening is often better oral health. Many people tend to neglect their unsightly, embarrassing teeth. However, when they fall in love with their own smiles, they find exciting new inspiration to brush and floss. Good hygiene is one of the best ways to keep your smile bright, as well as preventing cavities and gum disease, making it a win-win situation. What else can you do to extend the results of whitening?

• Regular dental checkups – Brushing and flossing are vital for removing plaque, bacteria, and staining agents from your teeth. However, professional cleaning by a hygienist is necessary to clean the hard to reach areas, and tiny pits and fissures a brush can’t access. Additionally, you teeth are polished, which gives them a radiant sparkle.


• Avoid dark foods and beverages – A good rule of thumb is that anything that can stain a linen tablecloth can also stain your teeth. You don’t need to give up coffee and berry pie forever, but the less you consume, the longer your teeth will stay white. You should refrain from anything dark colored for a few days after whitening, when your teeth are most susceptible to stains.


• Drink through a straw – Red wine, tea, colored soda, or any other colored drink will contribute to your teeth darkening. Using a straw will not eliminate the problem, but it will dramatically reduce the amount that contacts your teeth.


• Don’t smoke – In addition to harming your health, tobacco stains your teeth. This applies to smoke-free tobacco as well.


• Touchup treatments – You can extend the results, but teeth whitening is not permanent. However, it can be maintained easily with regular touchups. This is usually accomplished with at-home trays, used as needed. Your doctor will discuss the best method and frequency for maintenance treatments to keep your smile sparkling every day.

Drs. Alex and Nina Basti, of Mission Viejo, CA, want you to enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for life. When you visit them for any dental care, from teeth whitening to gum disease treatment, their service includes education, advice, and a long-term plan to maintain results. Call 949-427-2096 and schedule an appointment to put the dazzle back in your smile.