28
Feb
Five ways to extend the longevity of your professional teeth whitening treatment
Professional teeth whitening is a great way to achieve a whiter, brighter smile. But afterward, how can you keep your smile looking great for months? At Del Mar Family Dentistry in Solana Beach, California, Drs. Dale R. Trudeau and Thomas A. Fitzpatrick provide tips for maintaining your results over time.
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Eight ways to extend the longevity of your professional teeth whitening treatment
- Keeping your oral health in check. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing the mouth with mouthwash after brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining good oral hygiene. This prevents the development of cavities and gum disease and extends the longevity of your professional teeth whitening treatment. Plaque and tartar buildup can cause discoloration on your teeth, affecting the results of your whitening treatment.
- Avoid staining foods and drinks. Over time, some foods and drinks, including coffee, tea, red wine, and dark fruits, can discolor your teeth. Limiting or avoiding these foods/beverages is important to maintain the results of your professional whitening treatment. If you do consume them, make sure to rinse your mouth or brush your natural teeth afterward.
- Quitting smoking. Smoking will not only increase the risk of oral health problems, but it also leads to discoloration and yellowing of teeth. If you have had a professional whitening treatment, quitting smoking can help prolong the results and maintain a brighter smile.
- Touch-up treatments. Depending on the type of professional whitening treatment you receive, touch-up treatments may be recommended every few months to maintain the brightness of your teeth. This is especially important if you continue to consume staining foods or drinks or if you are a smoker.
- Using whitening toothpaste and mouthwash. Incorporating whitening toothpaste and mouthwash into your daily oral care routine can help extend the longevity of this professional treatment. These products contain mild whitening agents that can remove any surface stains and maintain the overall brightness of the natural teeth.
- Regular dental cleanings. It’s important to continue visiting your dentist for regular cleanings after a professional whitening treatment. Your dentist removes any plaque or tartar that might have built up that could be affecting the appearance of your teeth and provides touch-up therapies if necessary.
- At-home touch-up kits. Some dentists offer at-home touch-up kits for their patients to use between appointments. These kits typically contain a custom-fitted tray and a whitening gel, allowing you to maintain the results of your professional treatment from the comfort of your home.
- Properly storing whitening products. If you have any leftover whitening gel or trays from your professional treatment, store them properly. This will help maintain their effectiveness and allow you to use them for touch-up treatments in the future.
Want a Beautiful Smile?… Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients: (858) 360-3102 | Existing Patients: (858) 755-9775
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Who can I contact to learn more about professional teeth whitening for yellow or stained teeth?
At Del Mar Family Dentistry, Drs. Dale R. Trudeau and Thomas A. Fitzpatrick of Solana Beach, California, believe in offering patients solutions to improve the appearance of their smile and, in turn, boost their self-confidence! If you live in or around the area, we invite you to call (858) 360-3102 to request an upcoming visit with our dental team at 625 Valley Avenue.
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Dr. Dale Trudeau
Dr. Thomas Fitzpatrick
Dr. Nikko Johnson
Dr. Erik Balinghasay
Del Mar Family Dentistry is served by four experienced and talented physicians: Drs. Dale Trudeau, Thomas Fitzpatrick, Nikko Johnson, and Erik Balinghasay.
Dr. Dale Trudeau has served the community of Del Mar and Solana Beach since 1984. He is a graduate and former instructor at USC School of Dentistry and has completed many hours of advanced training in restorative, cosmetic, implant dentistry, and Invisalign. He is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), California Dental Association (CDA), San Diego County Dental Society (SDCDS), and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Trudeau is active in the community and volunteers at many local charities and youth organizations.
Dr. Thomas Fitzpatrick is a graduate of Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) in San Diego and Loma Linda University, School of Dentistry. He is a Research Associate at PLNU, YMCA, and Foundation for Worldwide Health, along with being a member of the ADA, CDA, Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), and SDCDS. Dr. Fitzpatrick has a passion to provide sustainable dental services to underserved communities both locally and globally. In 2013 he founded Cura Coffee Company to help fund the non-profit work of Cura Smiles. This non-profit has been able to build a dental clinic in the diverse community of City Heights, San Diego to help serve the underserved in their dental needs.
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Dr. Nikko Johnson is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma and Oklahoma University College of Dentistry. After completing her dental residency, she practiced as a general dentist in Oklahoma and North Carolina before obtaining her Master of Science in Periodontology from the University Of Detroit Mercy School Of Dentistry. Among her competencies are prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal diseases and treatment modalities with advanced oral plastic surgeries. She has had the honor of providing dental care to veterans for many years.
Dr. Erik Balinghasay is a graduate of the University of California San Diego(UCSD) and University of California Los Angeles(UCLA), School of Dentistry. Upon graduating from UCLA, he pursued advanced speciality training in Endodontics, the dental specialty related to root canals, at the University of Washington in Seattle. He is a Board-Certified Endodontist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics.