When you have chosen to get a professional teeth whitening treatment, you would want it to last as long as possible. Normally, the results of a teeth whitening treatment can last for several months, but eventually, the brightening effect would fade away. With proper care, however, the effect can last a long time.
6 Tips To Extend The Effect Of Teeth Whitening
So the question is, how do we preserve that sparkly glow? To help you out, we have put together a list of things you can do to prolong your teeth-whitening effect:
1. Limit Staining Foods and Beverages
To make your teeth whitening last longer, you would want to watch what you consume, especially in the first 48 hours after your teeth whitening treatment.

Teeth can be more prone to staining immediately after whitening because the whitening process opens the pores in the enamel, making it easier for stains to set in.
Therefore, it is advised to avoid consuming coffee, tea, red wine, cola, berries, red meat, and other foods and drinks known to cause stains for at least 24-48 hours after whitening.
Instead, opt for colourless items like cheese and milk, as they are less likely to cause staining and are best at making your teeth whitening last longer.
Average Duration of Teeth Whitening | 6-12 months |
Percentage of Patients Satisfied | 90% of patients report satisfaction post-treatment |
Common Staining Foods | Coffee (60% of users), Red Wine (50%), Tea (45%) |
Recommended Time to Avoid Staining | 24-48 hours post-treatment |
Impact of Smoking on Whitening Effects | Stains can appear in as little as 2 months |
2. Use Straw and Rinse Between Drinks
Sometimes, it can be hard to say no to your favourite drinks, especially those that can stain your teeth like tea, coffee, or coloured beverages.

To prevent these drinks from coming into contact with the outer surface of your teeth, it\’s advisable to use a straw. This way, you can still enjoy your favourite beverages without worrying about staining your teeth.
Additionally, drinking water while consuming food and beverages is recommended. Rinsing your teeth with water will help remove any residue and prevent stains from lingering on your teeth.
3. Brush and floss regularly
Brush your teeth after meals to remove food particles and bacteria, especially after consuming dark beverages or foods that can stain your teeth.
Don\’t forget to floss daily to prevent plaque buildup and brighten your smile.
For best results, use fluoride toothpaste or one recommended by your dentist. Maintaining good oral hygiene is necessary to preserve the effects of your whitening treatment.
Research shows that 90% of people believe a bright smile can boost their confidence in social situations.
4. Quit Smoking
The worst thing you can do to your teeth right after the whitening treatment is smoking tobacco. It only takes a couple of months for tobacco to deprive your teeth of their whitening glow and stain them yellow.
The tar (a naturally dark and sticky substance in cigarettes ) causes stubborn stains that are hard to remove. Moreover, nicotine in tobacco deposits on your teeth and forms yellow or brown stains after reacting with oxygen in the air.
Therefore, It is highly advisable to quit smoking if you want to preserve the whitening effect of your teeth
5. Eat Food That is Good for Teeth
To preserve the result of teeth whitening, eat foods that are low in pigments and acids. Crunchy fruits and vegetables, like apples, pears, carrots, and celery, are great for this. They help scrub your teeth and increase saliva production. Saliva is important for oral hygiene because it neutralises acids and protects enamel.
Include dairy products like cheese, milk, and yoghurt into your diet. They’re rich in calcium and phosphorus, which help strengthen enamel. Foods high in fibre, such as leafy greens and nuts, also support oral health by neutralising acids and promoting saliva flow.
Additionally, drink plenty of water throughout the day. It helps rinse away food particles and prevents stains from building up.
6. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Visiting your dentist regularly is important to maintaining that bright, white smile for the long haul. During routine dental check-ups your dentist can professionally clean your teeth, removing plaque and tartar that your toothbrush might miss. This not only keeps your teeth healthy but also helps prevent new stains from forming.
In addition to that, your dentist can offer personalised advice, such as recommending specific products or treatments to extend the effects of your whitening. Therefore, it is recommended to visit your dentist every six months.
Teeth Whitening Option | Average Cost | Duration of Results | Staining Risks | Effectiveness |
---|---|---|---|---|
In-Office Whitening | £300-£500 | 6-12 months | High (first 48 hours) | Very Effective |
At-Home Kits (with dentist approval) | £50-£150 | 3-6 months | Moderate | Effective |
Over-the-Counter Kits | £20-£80 | 1-3 months | Moderate to High | Variable Effectiveness |
Natural Remedies (e.g., baking soda) | £5-£10 | 1 month | Low | Limited Effectiveness |
Conclusion
Proper care and oral hygiene are important to keep your smile bright and white. Following the above-mentioned steps will help you to preserve the effect of teeth whitening for a long. If you are still conscious about your teeth you should meet with your dentist to discuss possible solutions.