Teeth Whitening Aftercare: Do’s and Don’ts

Teeth whitening remains one of the most economical ways to enhance your smile. There are various ways to whiten your teeth, but the two most common are in-office treatments and the do-it-yourself approach, with over-the-counter products. It’s important to talk to your dentist before deciding to whiten your teeth, as whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration and involve bleaching agents that, if not used correctly, can damage the enamel of your teeth. Learn the do’s and don’ts of teeth whitening to ensure you have success with whitening your smile.

About Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure meant to enhance the look of your teeth. Over time, the teeth can become discolored, especially if you drink liquids such as coffee and tea. Smoking and chewing tobacco can also lead to discolored teeth. Whitening the teeth is one of the easiest and most economical ways to enhance your smile and bring your teeth back to that white shade you want. The outer layer of the teeth is called the enamel. This is the part of the tooth that whitening products enhance.

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Before – After teeth whitening

Why do I need an aftercare routine?

To preserve the colour of your teeth, there are some important steps to take especially during the first 48 hours following the teeth whitening procedure.

This period is crucial as the dentin layer (the layer underneath your teeth’s enamel) is temporarily exposed after the procedure. When the dentin layer is exposed, this increases the sensitivity of your teeth and makes it susceptible to blemishes. Therefore, you will need to be careful with everything that you put into your mouth to prevent staining your freshly whitened teeth.

Here are important tips to follow if you’ve just had your teeth whitened.

Notes before teeth whitening:

  • You will have your dentist take tartar / Teeth cleaning before whitening.
  • Teeth and gums must be examined and treated by a doctor.
  • Fillings, porcelain teeth, removable teeth do not respond to bleach.
  • The cases of teeth stained with tetracycline were less responsive to the drug. In such cases, it is necessary to combine with at-home teeth whitening.
  • Pregnant and nursing women or children under 18 should not whiten their teeth.
  • People with hepatitis HIV should not bleach their teeth to avoid the risk of infecting others.
  • Teeth whitening must be done at a reputable dental center with an entire system of machinery and equipment.

Notes after teeth whitening:

  • To keep the whiteness for a long time, to avoid the early re-colorization of the teeth, you need to pay attention to what you eat after whitening your teeth
  • Within 48 hours after teeth whitening, do not eat foods with colorants (soy sauce, chocolate, curry, tea).
  • Do not drink water that is too hot or too cold (within 1 weeks after teeth whitening) because the teeth are sensitive.
  • Do not drink coffee smoke within 2 weeks after teeth whitening.
  • Drink filtered water.
  • It would help if you brushed your teeth twice a day and used dental floss to remove food particles between teeth.
  • Rinse your mouth or brush your teeth gently right after eating to maintain the color of your teeth longer.

Don’t do these

don't eat stain food

Don’t eat or drink stain food

Don’t eat foods that stain

Chromogens, tannins and acids are factors that are responsible for staining your teeth and these factors are commonly found in coloured food. This is why deep coloured food, including naturally coloured ones should be avoided entirely for the first 48 hours after the procedure. Examples of deep-coloured food include curry, red meat, dark chocolate as well as sauces like chilli sauce and soy sauce.

Now, it may seem almost impossible to eat a plate of entirely white food. Don’t worry, this ‘White Diet’ is only for 6 main meals and the key to eating the right type of food is to enjoy anything white such as chicken, turkey meat, peeled potatoes, porridge, rice noodles, white bread and plain yoghurt.

Don’t have coloured drinks

Like coloured food, coloured drinks such as wine, coffee, tea and fruit juices should also be avoided. The safest option is to consume plain water during the 48 hours following the procedure. If you must enjoy a drink other than plain water, do opt for drinks that are completely white or clear in colour such as milk or coconut water.

We understand that having to wait 48 hours to have a cup of Joe may seem extremely difficult but just remember that this is just a temporary sacrifice and most definitely one that is worth it.

Don’t use coloured dental products

Indeed, we literally mean everything that you put into your mouth should be white or colourless and that includes your dental products. Coloured dental products such as your toothpastes and mouthwash should be avoided for 48 hours following your teeth whitening procedure.

If in doubt, do clarify with your dentist about the range of products that can be safely used.

Don’t eat acidic food

Avoiding acidic food should also be a part of your teeth whitening aftercare routine. Food and beverages like citrus fruits, soda and pickles to name a few, can further weaken your teeth enamel and as mentioned, it can increase tooth sensitivity as well as teeth staining.

Do this instead…

You’ve taken note of things to avoid and moving forward, here are some practices that will help to keep your teeth white and bright.

Do rinse your mouth

After 48 hours following your teeth whitening procedure, you will be able to enjoy your favourite food (including deep-coloured ones) but this does not mean that your teeth are entirely protected against staining. The simple act of rinsing your mouth with water after a colourful meal can help to reduce the chances of staining your teeth

Do drink with a straw

Drinking with a straw is more of a long-term practice as an effort to prevent your teeth from staining due to drinks such as coffee or soda. Using a straw equates to your teeth having less exposure to the beverage and ultimately, this reduces the risk of teeth staining. Carrying a reusable straw with you can help you to keep up with this practice, no matter where you’re enjoying your beverage.

Teeth Whitening Aftercare: Do’s and Don’ts

Do avoid smoking

Smoking is one habit that will quickly stain your teeth. Just one puff will immediately introduce a yellowish tint to your pearly whites. If you would like to maintain white teeth, smoking should not only be avoided as part of your teeth whitening aftercare routine but also in the long run. Instead, try using nicotine patches and other products to help you fight the smoking habit.

Do enjoy your new smile

Teeth whitening is an amazing procedure that can transform the way you smile. Appreciating your whitened teeth will also give you the extra push to take good care of its colour, even in the months to come. Enjoy your new smile because it’s most definitely a smile that you deserve.

These steps will help you to retain the colour of your teeth for as long as possible but that’s not all. A routine visit your dentist and scheduling a teeth whitening session every 1 to 2 years will give you a set of teeth that are not only white but healthy too. Our team at Dana Dental is always ready to address any questions you might have about teeth whitening. This includes helping you to understand your teeth whitening options as well as to guide you with your teeth whitening aftercare routine.

by Nha Khoa Dana

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