Smile Makeover: The Dos and Don’ts for Aftercare

Your dentist will give you smile makeover aftercare instructions. These care practices will extend the effects of your procedure or procedures. They can even help improve your oral health. If you want to know what to do and what not after your smile makeover, here are the details.

Do have consistent teeth-whitening touch-up treatments

A teeth bleaching or whitening treatment can brighten teeth. A person who wants to have longer whitening effects must visit the dentist as often as the dentist recommends it. The whitening touch-ups will remove minor stains that have appeared since the first in-office whitening or bleaching treatment. The patient can also bring home custom whitening trays to perform the touch-ups at a convenient schedule.

Do brush two times a day

Brushing at least two times a day will keep plaque away from teeth. This habit can prevent the formation of cavities underneath dental restorations. Regular brushing can reduce staining. It can remove particles of acidic foods and drinks. This good habit can remove sugars as well.

Choosing a whitening toothpaste can keep teeth white. The fluoride in it will fight bacteria and prevent cavities. Antibacterial mouthwash can also rinse off dislodged food particles and protect teeth against plaque formation. Using an electric toothbrush and small, circular movements can clean restored teeth without abrading the surfaces.

Do floss with care

Strong adhesives attach restorations to natural teeth. Dental crowns and porcelain veneers are permanent improvements on teeth. Even so, the patient must floss with extra care. Sometimes, dental floss can get caught between tight gaps. Pulling on the dental floss may dislodge them. Dentists recommend flossing with utmost care.

Floss can help those with fixed bridges. This will prevent infection from forming underneath the restorations. The patient can also floss whenever something is in between teeth after eating. Using an antibacterial mouthwash after can ensure thorough flossing.

Do not eat specific foods and drinks

Staying away from staining foods and drinks can make a smile makeover effects last longer. Red wine, dark soda, coffee, and dark tea are examples of such drinks. Berries, beets, chocolates, and dark, sticky sauces must not be on the list of foods anymore. The patient must also stop smoking. This will prevent nicotine stains on the restorations.

The smile makeover patient must also avoid acidic foods and drinks. Some examples are pickles, limes, lemon juice, and vinegar. Acidic foods weaken the enamel. This lowers the defensive barrier of the treated teeth. The teeth then become prone to bacterial infection. This will shorten the effects of the restoration.

Do not forget to keep routine dental checks

Visiting the dentist as often as possible ensures the longevity of the smile makeover. Any touch-ups can happen right away. A professional dental cleaning can remove plaque, tartar, and stuck food particles in areas a toothbrush cannot reach. The dentist will catch any forming dental issues and treat them early.