Professional teeth whitening helps your smile look bright and stain-free but the reality is, they won’t stay pearly white forever – especially if you keep up old habits. Following your teeth whitening appointments, an aftercare routine is a good idea.

Teeth have a layer called the acquired pellicle, designed to protect the more sensitive parts. Yet, this is where stains emerge. Teeth whitening and dental cleaning remove this barrier, albeit temporarily, and open the enamel’s pores in the process.

It takes 24 hours for the layer to regenerate and as such, the longevity of whitening hinges on the 48 hours following the procedure. Keep the following tips in mind.

Particularly in the 48 hours after your teeth whitening procedure, avoid anything acid-based, including soda, pickles and citrus fruits like orange and lemon. Also steer clear of foods that easily create stains:

• Coffee & Teas
• Red wine
• Fruit & Fruit juices
• Beer
• Soy sauce
• Cured meats
• Chocolate
• Curry powder

During this stage, your teeth are vulnerable to staining and decay. Consuming these items not only negates the effects of the whitening procedure but could also set your teeth up for long-term damage.

Also think about other things you put in your mouth that could cause stains. Along with certain food choices, avoid using colored toothpastes, tobacco products and vaping.