How long do you want that dazzling smile to last after your teeth whitening treatment? Your journey to a brighter smile doesn’t end when you leave the dentist’s chair.
Teeth whitening aftercare is essential to maintain that brilliant sheen and prolong the effects of the whitening treatment.
Maintaining that bright smile requires dedicated aftercare to prevent rapid discoloration. By committing to proper aftercare, you’ll preserve your stunning results and enhance your overall oral health, ensuring your smile remains radiant for as long as possible.
Let’s delve into some essential aspects of post-whitening care.
What Does Teeth Whitening Aftercare Involve?
Protecting Your Whitened Smile: Dietary Tips
After your teeth whitening treatment, it’s essential to avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth for at least 48 hours. This includes coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-coloured sauces.
These items can cause discolouration and potentially reverse the effects of the whitening treatment. Instead, opt for lighter-coloured foods and drinks such as water, milk, plain yoghurt, white rice, and chicken to protect your newly brightened smile.
Maintain Your Oral Hygiene
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial for preserving the results of your teeth whitening treatment. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly to remove plaque and food particles that can cause staining.
Using an electric toothbrush can improve cleaning efficiency, keeping your teeth free of debris and less likely to discolour.
Use Whitening Toothpaste
Boost your daily routine with a whitening toothpaste after your teeth whitening treatment. These toothpastes contain gentle abrasives and special ingredients that lift surface stains and prevent new ones from forming. Use it as directed, usually once or twice a day, to maintain that just-whitened look.
Avoid Tobacco Products
Tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco, are well-known for staining teeth. They contain tar and nicotine, which can quickly discolour your teeth and undo the effects of your whitening treatment.
Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are vital for maintaining oral health and the results of your teeth whitening treatment. As your dentist, we can remove plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to staining and provide professional advice on how to keep your teeth looking their best. We will give you recommendations for the frequency of visits, usually every six months.
Plan Routine Touch-Up Treatments
Keep your teeth bright with periodic touch-up treatments. Use custom-made whitening trays at home or visit our office for a more intensive session. We’ll advise you on how often and which type of touch-up treatments to use to maintain your pearly-white smile.
Use Straws For Certain Beverages
When you drink beverages like coffee, tea, or cola, try using a straw. This helps keep the liquid from touching your teeth directly, reducing the risk of staining. It’s an easy trick to help keep your smile bright and minimise discolouration.
Rinse Your Mouth After Eating
Reduce staining by rinsing your mouth with water after consuming foods and drinks that might discolour your teeth. This simple practice helps wash away potential staining agents before they can adhere to your enamel. Carry a small bottle of water with you to rinse on the go, ensuring your teeth stay as white as possible.
We Provide Affordable Teeth Whitening And Aftercare
Our team uses the latest technology to ensure optimal results and lasting brightness. We offer personalised aftercare plans and our friendly staff is always available to answer your questions.
We are dedicated to providing a modern, compassionate approach to your dental health, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident every step of the way.
If you need an affordable teeth whitening procedure with effective aftercare or other cosmetic dentistry services, contact us today!
FAQs About Teeth Whitening Aftercare
How Long Should I Avoid Coloured Foods And Drinks After Whitening?
It’s best to avoid staining substances for at least 48 hours after treatment.
Can I Brush My Teeth Immediately After Whitening?
Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle technique to avoid irritating sensitive gums.
Is It Normal To Experience Sensitivity After Whitening?
Yes, some sensitivity is common. It usually subsides within a few days. We can recommend you desensitising toothpaste if necessary.
How Long Will My Whitening Results Last?
Results can last anywhere from a few months to a couple of years, depending on your habits and aftercare routine.
Can I Use Mouthwash After Teeth Whitening?
Wait at least 48 hours before using mouthwash. When you do, choose an alcohol-free, non-coloured variety to avoid staining.
Is It Okay To Eat Hot Or Cold Foods Immediately After Whitening?
It’s best to avoid extreme temperatures for the first 48 hours after your whitening treatment, as your teeth may be more sensitive. Stick to lukewarm foods and drinks during this period.
Will Whitening Affect My Dental Work (Fillings, Crowns, Veneers)?
Whitening typically doesn’t affect dental work. However, these restorations may appear darker than your newly whitened natural teeth.
Dr Soraya is the principal dentist and owner of Greenvale Dental Group with over 25 years’ experience in the field of dentistry.
Soraya’s areas of treatment include general dentistry, dental emergencies, dental implants, endodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and crown and bridge dentures.
You can find more about Dr. Soraya Eakins through her LinkedIn, or you can book an appointment with her through HotDoc.