Two Mistakes To Avoid After Receiving A Whitening Treatment
If you work with your dentist to go through a professional whitening, then you may understand that the treatment can be a bit time consuming and uncomfortable. Even so, teeth whitening treatments can instantly transform your smile into one that is numerous shades whiter. Once the whitening is completed, you will want to keep your teeth as white as possible. However, there are a few mistakes that you want to avoid directly after the whitening is completed.
Mistake - Using Whitening Toothpaste
One of the biggest mistakes you can make after a whitening is using whitening toothpaste to keep your teeth white. Whitening treatments do not damage the dental enamel. They simply release the stains that are causing the whitening to leave your natural enamel behind. When the whitening is completed, there will be no food residue on the teeth. While this is a good thing, this residue is what is forced from the teeth when using a whitening toothpaste. Without the enamel, the abrasive paste scrapes the enamel. This can start to wear the teeth down, much like the natural wearing can.
If your teeth are already sensitive, the whitening pastes can contribute to sensitivities. It can also cause the gums to feel sore and painful. Instead of using whitening toothpaste, use a product that is more gentle. Brush your teeth for a full two minutes twice a day to release food and debris that can cause future staining. Also, floss to remove plaque that can turn into tartar. Tartar is a beige color that can easily make the teeth appear discolored.
Mistake - Using Acidic Products
If you want to keep up the whitening, then you may think that natural whitening solutions may be a better idea than commercial products. Many natural whitening recipes call for ingredients such as lemons, lemon juice, pureed strawberries, and other fruits. The substances in these fruits that help to whiten the teeth are the natural acids contained in them.
When your teeth are whitened, the cracked in your enamel are cleared out. These small cracks are natural ones that allow you to see deep to the tooth dentin once they are empty. The dentin is porous and highly susceptible to decay. Tooth dentin can also be etched by attacks from acidic substances. If you place the acidic tooth whitening creams or solutions on the teeth, then you can damage the teeth.
You should stay away from natural and homemade whitening treatments. Also, try to avoid highly acidic foods and beverages for some time after the whitening is over. Cola, coffee, tea, and orange juice are a few examples. If you do consume these things, rinse your mouth with water.
