Considering getting your teeth whitened to help your smile shine a little brighter? Our clinic offers a revolutionary whitening treatment that can lighten your teeth up to eight shades whiter! It’s called Zoom! bleaching, and it uses a combination of peroxide-based treatments and LED light to maximize whitening power.
Zoom! bleaching is fast, effective, and long-lasting. However, if you want to get the most out of your treatment, there are some best practices to follow — as well as some things to avoid. Here are our 10 do’s and don’ts of teeth whitening, so you can ensure your teeth will sparkle brighter, longer!
Do your best to maintain good oral health before and after teeth whitening.
Teeth whitening isn’t a replacement for regular brushing or keeping up with a consistent dental cleaning routine! Plus, if you’re doing a thorough job of keeping your teeth clean and plaque-free, you’ll see much better results from your whitening treatments. Not to mention, the results will last much longer.
Don’t consume dark or acidic drinks the days before and after your treatment.
Things like coffee, soda, citrus juice, and brightly coloured Kool-Aid can really do a number on your enamel. While it’s fine to enjoy these things in moderation, you’ll definitely want to avoid them in the days leading up to your appointment, and in the days that follow.
Do consider a take-home kit to use between appointments.
We provide take-home kits that are much more effective than the shelf-brand varieties. Our team will be happy to walk you through all of the necessary steps.
Don’t try any DIY methods you see online.
TikTok and YouTube are full of amateur dentists! If a trend seems too good to be true, it probably is. Some teeth whitening trends, like rinsing with lemon juice or ultra-strong peroxide, can actually do more harm than good. When in doubt, ask one of our dentists, and we can help you explore options that fit your budget.
Do rinse your mouth after a stain-causing snack!
Hey, it’s summer in Winnipeg — sometimes it’s hard to resist a blue raspberry Slurpee! If you do decide to indulge, rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash can help prevent that colourful dye from lingering too long.
Don’t whiten your teeth too often.
An in-office whitening treatment is recommended every 12–18 months, and our take-home kits are safe to use every six months. No need to overdo it!
Do touch-ups with a dentist-approved gel treatment.
We have a variety of touch-up gels that are easy to apply and rinse off. Again, be sure to follow instructions carefully in terms of frequency and duration of your application.
Don’t pursue teeth whitening if you’re pregnant or lactating.
Wait until after you’ve finished breastfeeding to book your whitening treatment. Don’t worry — your new baby will adore your beautiful smile either way!
Do maintain bi-annual cleaning appointments for best results.
Professional dental cleanings make a world of difference when it comes to maintaining oral health and aesthetics. Thorough, regular removal of plaque build-up will ensure there’s nothing getting in the way of that whitening treatment.
Don’t brush too hard — that won’t clean your teeth any better!
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and use small, circular brushing motions. No need to vigorously scrub — that can actually wear down your tooth enamel or cause injury to your gums.
Do you have any questions about Zoom! bleaching or any of our other teeth whitening treatments? Contact our team at Kildonan Crossing Dental Clinic, and we’ll help you explore all the available options!