Top 7 Mistakes to Avoid in Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry solution for teeth staining and discoloration. It is arguably the fastest, cheapest, and most straightforward way to achieve a better smile.

But like any other solution offered by cosmetic dentists, the success rate of teeth whitening still depends on you. To make sure you don’t do anything that could negatively affect the results, here are seven mistakes you should never make:

Mistake #1: Not Brushing or Flossing Beforehand

Besides being one of the most embarrassing mistakes you could ever make before a dental appointment, not performing these basic oral hygiene practices also affects teeth whitening results.

Whitening agents would need to seep into the teeth enamel to leave a brightening effect. But if there’s anything coating the tooth surface, they won’t be able to do their job. In short, layers of plaque, bacteria, or food particles can interfere with teeth whitening.

To maximize teeth exposure to the bleaching agents, be sure to brush and floss your teeth before undergoing a teeth whitening procedure. If you can, get your teeth professionally cleaned before whitening.

Mistake #2: Not Following the ‘White Diet’

Your teeth are made for chewing. As a critical component of the first stage of digestion, it gets exposed to a wide variety of substances – some of which may cause tooth staining and discoloration.

After professional teeth whitening in Fort Lauderdale, you must watch what you put in your mouth, especially during the first 24 hours following the procedure. Generally, food and drinks that may cause staining should be avoided. You should also steer clear of those that may irritate your teeth that can become a bit more sensitive right after the treatment.

After 24 to 72 hours, you should already be able to go back to your normal diet, but before that time, you must first avoid:

• dark and highly pigmented fluids, such as coffee, tea, cola, red wine, and tomato juice;
• acidic drinks like soda, alcohol, and fruit juices;
• foods with color additives or that are highly pigmented (e.g., soy sauce, bologna, beef, chocolate, and ketchup);
• foods that contain lots of sugar, including ice cream, cakes, and pastries, as it feeds decay-causing bacteria and may cause irritation;
• curry; and
• other items that don’t pass the “white shirt test” and leave visible stains on white fabric.

Although it may seem like you’ll be deprived of food after teeth whitening, there are still many food products you can enjoy, such as:

• Skinless chicken or turkey – be sure to have the fat removed
• White fish dishes – eat without colored sauces or strong spices
• White rice, bread, or pasta – avoid excessive consumption to prevent cavities
• Egg whites
• White cheese – stick to low fat
• Boiled, mashed, or sliced peeled potatoes
• White onions
• Cauliflower
• Low-fat or skimmed milk

The bottom line here is that you should follow the “white diet” to keep your pearly whites bright.

Mistake #3: Smoking

Ever heard the phrase “smoker’s teeth”? It is quite popular because teeth discoloration is very common in chain smokers.

Since smoking causes teeth staining, it is only logical to stop smoking after getting your teeth whitened. Be sure to avoid smokeless tobacco products, too. All of them are bad for you, and they also stain the teeth.

Otherwise, you’re only throwing away your money for something that’s not going to last.

Mistake #4: Not Consulting Your Dentist First

Many people use over-the-counter products to perform teeth whitening themselves. When used as instructed, these products can be quite effective.

But while doing it yourself isn’t bad per se, going ahead without consulting your dentist first is a mistake. Having a dental check-up will let you know if there are any problem areas in your teeth like cavities or other dental issues.

You see, if the discoloration was caused by decay, the effort and money you put into teeth whitening home kits may just go to waste. In such instances, bleaching doesn’t have any effect since the change in color goes beyond the enamel.

That said, it would be best to fix problem areas first before undergoing the cosmetic dentistry procedure. Plus, your dentist is the best person to ask for recommendations on the best products to use. They can also help you get a custom-fitting mouth tray (more on this later).

Mistake #5: Forgoing Custom Dental Trays

Custom dental trays are used to prevent the teeth whitening agent from getting into areas they aren’t meant to go, like the gums or the throat.

Since each person’s mouth is different, there’s really no one-size-fits-all in a dental whitening tray. This means that those included in the DIY kits may not fit your mouth well, thus defeating its purpose.

Mistake #6: Undergoing Whitening Too Frequently

Sure, you want your teeth to sparkle all the time, but that doesn’t mean you can make teeth whitening a hobby. Remember that too much dental bleaching can leave your teeth looking chalky and unnatural, which is a far cry from the shiny white set of choppers you’re probably after.

Bleaching your teeth too much can also cause them to lose vitality and take on a bluish appearance. This is also why professional whitening is still the better choice, since dentists can ensure that your choppers remain healthy throughout the process.

Mistake #7: Overusing Whitening Toothpaste

Don’t rely too much on whitening toothpaste. Like bleaching kits, using them too frequently can also be counterproductive.

Although whitening toothpaste can eliminate light surface stains caused by coffee, tea, or tobacco, daily use of these products can leave your teeth looking worse. Instead of saving money by replacing your regular toothpaste with one especially made for whitening, it might actually cost you more in trying to save your teeth from the consequences of excessive use.

Whitening toothpastes contain abrasive compounds like zirconium silicate and calcium carbonate, which can scratch away the tooth enamel when used continuously.

This can lead to ugly and discolored teeth that can also feel sensitive since the enamel has been worn down.

Go for Safe Teeth Whitening

Although teeth whitening is known as one of the most cost-effective in improving people’s smiles, you should still practice caution when undergoing this treatment.

Avoid the mistakes listed in this article for safe teeth whitening and to achieve the best results.