Professional teeth whitening is an excellent modern procedure for those who want to enhance the brightness of their smiles in just one dental visit. However, there are rules to adhere to after the procedure that will help you preserve the results of whitening for longer. In this article, we discuss how whitening affects your teeth and foods to avoid after teeth whitening.
What Is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening can significantly whiten your smile, lifting the tone of your teeth by as much as eight shades. If you have particular goals and desired outcomes for your teeth whitening, you can discuss with your dentist to choose the optimal strength of the whitening solution. The procedure can also remove stains on the teeth, making the tone more even.
A cosmetic dentist usually performs professional teeth whitening at a dental office and uses bleaching treatments. Sometimes, additional equipment can also be used for the procedure. Usually, in-office teeth whitening is much more effective and safe for the enamel of your teeth than other over-the-counter solutions. The fantastic results of in-office teeth whitening can be achieved in just one visit because a professional cosmetic dentist can effectively assess the condition of your enamel and use more robust whitening solutions without the risk of ruining it.
Some dentists offer at-home whitening kits that should not be confused with over-the-counter solutions. At-home kits provided by your dentist are designed to accommodate your specific needs and come in trays you have to wear for some time. The trays are coated with a whitening solution on the inside and work to gradually whiten your teeth.
How Does Whitening Affect Your Teeth?
As we mentioned before, teeth whitening involves a bleaching agent, such as peroxide, to penetrate the enamel of the teeth and break down the pigmented particles that cause staining and discoloration. Peroxide is highly effective in removing stains, but it also makes teeth’s enamel temporarily more porous. As a result, a minor demineralization and pulp and nerve irritation might occur. Thus, teeth can become more sensitive for several days after a whitening procedure. However, this is normal, and the sensitivity will go away as soon as teeth recover and remineralize.
Foods To Avoid After Teeth Whitening
Temporary teeth sensitivity after a whitening procedure is one of the factors why you should adjust your diet to minimize the negative sensations and allow your teeth to heal properly. Foods and drinks you should avoid include:
- Drinks and foods that are too cold or too hot (Iced beverages, ice cream, steaming foods, and drinks)
- Sweet foods and drinks (candies, chocolate, caramel, etc.)
- Acidic foods and drinks (lemonade, carbonated drinks and soda, juice, alcohol, Citrus Fruits, etc.)
- Spicy foods
Another group of foods and drinks you should avoid not only immediately after whitening but in the long run as well are those that can stain the enamel of your teeth:
- Tea (black and green) and coffee
- Red wine
- Soda and other drinks that contain dye
- Fruit and berry juices and smoothies
- Brightly-colored vegetable smoothies and juices
- Tomato-based sauces and soups
- Curry
- Brightly-colored spices, such as turmeric and red paprika
- Balsamic vinegar and other sauces based on balsamic
- Soy sauce
- Berries
- Carrots
- Beetroot
How to Prevent Teeth Staining?
To prevent teeth staining after teeth whitening:
- Brush your teeth immediately after consuming foods and beverages that contain staining agents. If you can not brush your teeth, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
- Abstain from any staining foods entirely for at least 48 to 72 hours immediately after whitening.
- Avoid smoking, as it is one of the most significant risk factors for staining and yellowing of teeth.
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene on a daily basis is also a priority when it comes to preserving the whiteness of your teeth. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft brush and non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste, floss every evening, and consider using a Waterpik to maximize the effectiveness of your routine.
Make an Appointment Today
If you are ready to boost the appearance of your smile with a teeth whitening procedure, do not hesitate to make an appointment with a dentist in Glendora today. Cosmetic dentists in Glendora Family Dentistry work only with modern, high-quality whitening solutions to deliver the best results. We will carefully examine the condition of your teeth and choose the solution to achieve your particular goals. Our specialists look forward to welcoming you to our office.
