5 Tips to Make Your In-Office Whitening Last

Teeth_whiteningTeeth whitening can seem like a miraculous appearance enhancer – it is one of the least invasive cosmetic dental procedures available, and patients can usually begin enjoying their new smile immediately, with no recovery precautions needed.

But as effective as teeth whitening can be, especially when it is done at the dentist’s office, you will need to take a few steps to ensure you are able to enjoy your bright smile for the long term.

Tips for Making Your In-Office Teeth Whitening Last

  1. Start your whitening experience with a comprehensive dental exam.

Most dentists will insist on a close examination of your teeth and gums before providing your whitening treatment. This helps determine if underlying conditions are responsible for your stained teeth, ones that could need different treatment modalities to return your mouth to good health.

  1. Keep up your oral health habits after your whitening appointments.

To ensure that stains and plaque don’t build up on your teeth, you’ll need to continue to brush twice a day and floss at least once a day.

  1. Avoid teeth-staining foods and drinks.

The best-known liquid culprits responsible for staining teeth are tea, coffee and red wine. If you are going to drink these beverages, wash your mouth with plain water afterward and consider sipping them through a straw to minimize their impact. Blueberries and other brightly colored fruits and vegetables can also leave stains; your best strategy with these foods is to rinse your mouth with water after consuming them.

  1. Stop smoking.

Smoking creates significant stains on your teeth. In addition to all the other health benefits of quitting tobacco, it will also make teeth whitening treatments last much longer.

  1. Follow your dentist’s recommendations for take-home treatments used to maintain your teeth whitening results.

The take-home whitening kit your dentist may suggest will contain a higher concentration of whitening agents than over-the-counter whitening trays, strips or gels. He or she can answer any questions on teeth sensitivity or gum irritation you may experience while using the kit.

“In-office teeth whitening treatments can last for months or even years, if you are diligent in your habits and follow the touch-up routine suggested by your dentist,” says Dr. Carol Ford, a cosmetic dentist in private practice in central Phoenix.


  1. Keeping your teeth perfectly white can be really hard. However, there are a lot of things that can help make it a lot easier. One of those things is visiting your dentist regularly. I definitely agree that before you start teeth whitening you should have a solid dental examination.

  2. Silas Knight says

    I always knew that drinking things like coffee and wine would ruin a white smile. However, I never made the connection that eating brightly colored foods would do the same thing. It seems like the few whitenings I have had just don’t last, but this next time I will pay more attention to what I eat and drink, thanks!

  3. emily bennette says

    These are some real goog things to know about when it comes to making your cosmetic dentistry treatments last. I like that you talked about keeping up with your at home care. That way, your teeth won’t dull and your whitening job won’t go to waste.

  4. Westly Smith says

    I love how you mention smoking as one of your ways to keep your teeth white. I don’t think people realize how much smoking destroys our teeth. It makes them rotten. I don’t know why people would even bother getting teeth whitening while they’re smoking. It just negates the effects of the whitening.

  5. Alex Trodder says

    It’s true that you can take steps to help reduce tooth discoloration after you get them whitened. Coffee, tea, and red wine all contain pigments and tannins that are notorious for staining teeth. Limiting your consumption of these drinks can help maximize the results of your teeth whitening procedure. Thanks for the tips.

  6. James Bergman says

    I think the best way to maintain a white smile is to avoid food that can stain your teeth and to practice good oral hygiene. I personally don’t drink much coffee, but I love my tea. Unfortunately I think black tea stains teeth worse than coffee does. So, I try to stick to my green or herbal teas.

  7. Jeff Curtis says

    Thanks for this wonderful post on how to make teeth whitening from an office last. I am considering having my teeth whitened by a dentist, and I want to know how to better make it last if I can help it. I like your tip on avoiding teeth-staining foods and drinks. I will have to try to give up coffee and wine for a while and see if I can make it last longer. Thanks for the help!

  8. Hazel Owens says

    I’m glad that you emphasized the importance of maintaining general oral health before and after an in-office teeth whitening. Making sure that your teeth are healthy before the whitening session can, like you said, determine if there are underlying issues causing stains. Keeping your teeth clean after the treatment by brushing, flossing, and avoiding certain foods can help naturally aid your teeth and make them shine. Thanks for the article.

  9. It’s good to know that quitting smoking not only will help your lungs but also your teeth. Knowing that quitting smoking will help your teeth remain white longer would be a good motivator. How long after quitting smoking would you see whiter teeth?

    • Dr. Carol Ford says

      We are so happy to hear that we have inspired you to quit smoking. While doing so doesn’t whiten your teeth, it does prevent future stains and ensures that when you get a whitening treatment, it lasts longer. If you have any questions, call us at 602-955-7788.

  10. Steve Nathans says

    I agree with you Dr. Carol. A bright smile does not just end with whitening. You need to take measures to prevent more staining by avoiding practices that would ruin your smile

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