Tooth whitening lightens teeth and helps to remove stains and discoloration. Whitening is among the most popular cosmetic dental procedures because it can greatly improve how your teeth look. Whitening is not a one-time procedure. It will need to be repeated from time to time if you want to maintain the brighter color.

Once you’ve completed a whitening treatment, there are a few steps you can take to maintain your whiter smile.

• Avoid stain-causing foods and beverages – coffee, tea, wine, sports drinks, hard candy, berries and tomato sauce are all foods that can cause tooth discoloration.
• Use a straw – when drinking beverages, use a straw to keep stain-causing dyes away from your teeth.
• Quit smoking – smoking tobacco can cause teeth to become discoloured. Eliminating tobacco can help keep your teeth bright.

Sometimes after whitening treatment, teeth can be sensitive. If this occurs you can:

• Use a sensitivity toothpaste – Commonly available are Sensodyne, Colgate Relief
• Chew gum – scientists have found that more saliva is produced when chewing gum. And the act of chewing may distract people from the pain.
• Avoid whitening for a while – give your teeth a break and stop using whitening products.

If you find that your gums are white or sore, follow up with your dentist.

Whitening is not a permanent solution. The stains will come back. If you avoid the sources of staining, you may not need another whitening treatment for 6 to 12 months.