Natural looking white teeth can help us to feel confident in our smile, whether posing for photographs, going on dates, or in our careers. At our Slough clinic, we provide laser teeth whitening treatments, which are considered to be one of the safest and most effective methods of achieving a bright smile.
Over time, our teeth can become discoloured by age and lifestyle factors. The laser treatment will lighten your teeth by up to three to six times their previous shade, using a non-peroxide gel that is activated by a laser light. The procedure is pain-free and typically takes around 45 minutes to complete, with few risks and side effects.
However, to get the best results from your treatment, it’s important to follow the aftercare procedures properly. These include not eating or drinking for at least an hour after the treatment; and for at least 24 hours to avoid consuming dark coloured food and drink, such as red wine, tea and coffee. You should also avoid smoking tobacco products.
A good quality laser treatment should last for about two years before the results begin to fade. There are also some ongoing measures you can take to prolong the effects of the treatment. Here’s a look at how to keep that confidence-boosting smile intact for longer.
Understanding the impact of smoking
Smoking is a key cause of tooth discoloration, because the nicotine and tar in cigarettes tends to cause the build up of yellow or brown stains that can penetrate the tooth enamel. These substances can also increase the risk of plaque and tartar building up on the teeth, which makes it more difficult to keep the teeth looking bright, and increases the risk of decay.
Continuing to smoke after a whitening treatment will cause the effects to fade faster, and it may also increase the risk of tooth sensitivity due to enamel erosion.
Obviously, quitting smoking is the ideal way to ensure that you get the best value from your tooth lightening session. Stopping smoking has many other benefits beyond the appearance of your teeth, from better overall health and wellbeing to a reduced risk of developing serious diseases, and saving money.
However, breaking the habit can sometimes be easier said than done due to the addictive nature of the nicotine in cigarettes. You might want to consider switching to e-cigarettes, which contain fewer staining substances, or using nicotine patches. Some people find that hypnotherapy helps them to break the urge to smoke.
The impact of diet
Consuming certain foods and drinks can also affect how long your teeth will stay looking white. Foods and beverages that contain tannins, a substance that is derived from organic plant matter, contribute to the staining of teeth, and are present in tea, coffee, and red wine. If you can’t bear to give up coffee, look for lighter roasts or milkier versions such as lattes.
Good alternatives to regular black tea include green tea, or herbal tea. If these are not for you and you really need that caffeine hit, you could try drinking tea or coffee through a straw. This minimises the contact of the liquid with the surface of your teeth.
Foods that can increase tooth staining include dark chocolate, dark coloured berries, and tomato based sauces. However, these foods also have health benefits, so you might not want to avoid them entirely. Rinsing your mouth out with water shortly after eating them will minimise any discoloration.
Highly acidic and sugary foods and drinks can erode the tooth enamel, increasing the risk of staining, so monitor your intake of soft drinks and switch to plain water whenever possible. This will also reduce the risk of dehydration, which will dry out your mouth and make it more prone to staining.
Further considerations for maintaining white teeth
Good oral hygiene will reduce staining and the buildup of plaque, keeping your teeth looking whiter and also protecting them against decay. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day, and floss in between your teeth several times a week. Whitening toothpastes may help to keep your teeth looking brighter.
It’s also advisable to have regular dental checkups to keep on top of any issues with your oral health, and schedule in hygienist appointments for the occasional deeper clean.
