You finally got your teeth bright and shiny, and you probably feel like a whole new person. However, whitened teeth come with lower enamel integrity. How do you get your teeth back to strength and health? Read along!
If you’ve done your research, you know that there’s always a high chance of tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening sessions. Even if you’re lucky and you don’t experience the sensitivity, your teeth still need to recover. Bleaching agents do get through your enamel.
Unfortunately, I never got to enjoy my first teeth whitening encounter for long. I got my whitening trays at a nearby drugstore, and they worked. I got my desired effects in three weeks, but I had no idea that my teeth needed some time before I went back to my unhealthy habits!
I assumed the sensitivity was normal and would go away after a while – which is true, except I didn’t let my teeth regain their strength after whitening. The sensitivity got so bad that I had to see my dentist. Funny, because that was what I was avoiding in the first place.
After discussing all the steps I had taken in the teeth whitening process, turns out I had done everything right, except take care of my teeth afterward. Not only had I created new stains on my teeth after such a short period, but now I also had to give my teeth more time to heal. How counterproductive!
So, if you’re looking into whitening your teeth (or you’ve already whitened yours), I have a couple of tips you need to consider to keep your teeth in top shape after the bleaching.
How To Strengthen Your Teeth After Whitening
Less Color, More White
Dark colored drinks and foods like coffee, red wine, juices, colas, and tea will stain your teeth. This doesn’t mean you have to quit them forever. Until your teeth get back to health, you may have to say no to these tasty treats. Even when you do get back to them, it is best to brush your teeth immediately after your last swallow.
Crispy Crunches
Foods like apples, carrots, and celery don’t just keep your teeth stain-free, they also encourage stronger teeth. You don’t even have to panic if you nap without brushing your teeth after eating these.
Keep ‘Em Clean
Apart from changing your toothbrush every 2-3 months (more than three is just welcoming bacteria in your mouth), make good use of your apple cider vinegar and baking soda.
You want to prolong reaching out for bleaching agents for as long as you can. Once in a while, I gurgle apple cider vinegar in the morning before brushing. I alternate that with making a baking soda paste to brush my teeth. These two get rid of bacteria and act as natural means to whiten your teeth.
Hygiene
Oral hygiene is a great step in providing a healthy environment for your teeth to thrive. Invest in an alcohol-free mouthwash and making regular flossing your best buddy. Brush your teeth in the morning and evening. Your teeth will thank you!
Conclusion
Guess what is as important as keeping your teeth strong after whitening? Making sure they are strong in the first place! The best thing you could do is talking to your dentist before whitening your teeth; you’ll get some solid advice for better teeth.