How to Whiten Teeth Safely And Keep Them Looking That Way – 8 Top Tips

It is important that you have realistic expectations as to the outcome of your whitening treatment. Your dentist can help you achieve the shade of white that is complementing your features. A good level of improvement is where the white of your teeth matches the white of your eyes. Skin tone and complexion will affect how white your teeth will look, so talk to your dentist to understand how the process works and what you can expect. 

Once you’ve spoken to our dentist, teeth whitening strips that you can purchase online offer a whitening alternative. They can usually be sourced in different concentrations but it’s imperative to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. While the strips do work you should take care not to overuse them. They can reduce the firmness of your teeth and cause subtle surface changes on any existing restorations. Furthermore, if the strips aren’t sitting close to all of your teeth, you could end up with white patches on your teeth. 

You may have Googled ‘how to whiten teeth naturally’ and found a whole bunch of teeth whitening options to try at home. Some are more effective and safer than others. For instance, methods to try without damaging your teeth include baking soda brushed gently on to the teeth which helps remove surface stains, and whitening toothpaste - containing low levels of hydrogen peroxide - are known to whiten teeth slightly. Be aware, however, that whitening toothpaste can be abrasive and over time could result in damage to your tooth enamel. 

Once you’ve had your teeth whitened professionally, you naturally want to maintain your newly whitened smile to keep it looking that way for as long as possible. Our apologies to coffee lovers, but it is the worst drink for staining your teeth. Immediately after whitening treatments, it’s always best to avoid cola, coffee, and sports drinks. You should also steer clear of fresh strawberries and citrus fruits as these are high in acid that could harm your teeth. It takes a while for your saliva to form a natural protective barrier around tooth surfaces after whitening, so take care for the first few hours.

If you suffer from mild tooth sensitivity it is still possible to undergo teeth whitening but we recommend you speak to our dentist first. A dental professional can initiate a regime that may include applying potassium nitrate or fluoride on your teeth for a couple of weeks prior to a teeth whitening treatment to provide added protection.

If you’ve recently whitened your teeth, we suggest using over the counter products such as whitening toothpaste and mouthwashes to care for your smile. These can be used for regular maintenance and to remove any new stains that appear. Whether you’ve whitened your teeth with professional in-chair whitening or used whitening strips, follow your dentist’s advice on how to use mouthwashes and whitening toothpaste to maintain your bright white teeth colour. 

Unfortunately, teeth whitening isn’t permanent and therefore doesn’t last forever. Discolouration may start to gradually appear again, but your teeth shouldn’t return to their pre-whitening shade. Your dentist should be able to provide you with custom whitening trays and gel that you can use at home when you notice a relapse. This should help keep your smile looking whiter for longer. 

It’s always a good idea to talk to your dentist before going ahead with any type of teeth whitening. They can examine your mouth, teeth, and gums and suggest the best treatment. It’s worth bearing in mind everyone’s teeth are different and respond differently and should something go wrong when you’re whitening your teeth at home, it could cause a lot of pain and irreversible damage. 

Two major side effects associated with teeth whitening are tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. Tooth sensitivity that occurs after teeth whitening is often associated with cold temperatures but can occur as a spontaneous shot of pain that’s limited to one or more teeth. Thankfully, tooth sensitivity and gum irritation are usually temporary and quickly settle down. But if it persists then you should consult with your dentist. 

For peace of mind, and supervised predictable teeth whitening results, we recommend spending more on in-office whitening or take-home whitening kits. These treatments will whiten your teeth faster and more effectively and the results always last longer. Think of it as an investment in yourself. 

If you long for a beautiful white smile then we’re here to help you achieve it. Contact Riverlands Dental today at (02) 4501 7930 because your teeth deserve it.