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To retain your pearly white teeth for as long as possible, you have to know the dos and don’ts of the teeth whitening aftercare regime.
Teeth whitening involves lightening the colour of your teeth without damaging the tooth’s surface, and there are various dental procedures used to achieve this. The effects of teeth whitening should last for more than a year, and proper aftercare can extend this even further.
You may undergo a teeth whitening procedure at your dentist’s office, or you can use over-the-counter products such as whitening strips, whitening gels, whitening trays, and many other whitening products. Whichever the case, you want to maintain your new, shinier smile for as long as possible, and at House of Mouth, we only stock the best professional whitening and oral care products.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the practices that will guarantee you the best outcome after your teeth whitening procedure.
What To Do After Teeth Whitening
#1. Brush Regularly
Regular brushing with a fluoride-based toothpaste is the no.1 bit of advice any dentist will give you, and it’s no different after a whitening procedure. Staying on top of your brushing will maintain your shiny new smile.
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, but if you want to take on an even better regime, try brushing after each meal. However, you should wait around an hour before doing so, especially if you’ve had acidic food or drink. This is due to the acidity weakening your teeth’s enamel, so if you brush too soon after eating, you could wear it away faster.
#2. Use Whitening Toothpaste
After your teeth whitening procedure, you must be careful about your choice of toothpaste. Be sure to go for a whitening toothpaste and mouthwash. This helps to maintain your bright, white smile between teeth whitening treatments.
On top of this, your teeth will be a bit sensitive after whitening. Thus, it is advisable to go for a whitening toothpaste explicitly made for sensitive teeth, such as the Oral B 3D White Whitening Therapy Sensitivity Care Toothpaste or Opalescence Teeth Whitening Toothpaste – Sensitivity Relief Cool Mint.
#3. Follow the “White Diet”
After professional whitening, your teeth become slightly porous. This means that acidic and dark-coloured foods can be absorbed quickly into your teeth, leading to discolouration.
Thus, it is advisable to follow a “white diet” after teeth whitening. This is simply a diet comprised primarily of white and light coloured foods such as fish, chicken and tofu. Try and stick to these foods as much as possible for the first few days after your whitening procedure.
#4. Make Regular Visits to Your Dentist
It’s always good to stay in touch with your dental team to monitor your oral health after a whitening procedure. Regular checkups and cleanings will extend the longevity of your pearly whites and guarantee a happy and healthy mouth. The House of Mouth are always here to help answer any of your teeth whitening, product selection or oral care advice questions, simply contact us today.
What You Shouldn’t Do After Teeth Whitening
#1. No Smoking:
If you smoke, you’re probably sick of everyone telling you to stop, but when it comes to teeth whitening… you really should! It’s crucial to limit this as much as possible during and after whitening treatments, however, ceasing smoking completely is preferred.
Cigarettes and tobacco contain nicotine, which can cause yellowing of the enamel and a stain that can be hard to remove. If you quit smoking, it will help maintain your tooth colour (and be healthier overall). If you do smoke, be sure to use whitening products more regularly to mitigate the discolouration and do not smoke directly immediately after whitening treatment (wait at least 2hrs).
#2. Don’t Eat or Drink Products that Can Stain Your Teeth:
To keep your teeth white, you should also avoid food and drinks that can stain your teeth. For example, anything that would stain a white shirt, such as wine, coffee, chocolate, dark-coloured colas, dark fruits, etc., should be avoided. If you do notice that your teeth are becoming stained, there are various options you can use at home to get your teeth white again. It is recommended to avoid these types of foods and drinks for at least 48hrs after each treatment, or consume in moderation.
#3. Reduce Sugar Intake:
How often you have sugary foods and drinks can affect how long your teeth stay shiny after whitening. This is because sugar can cause plaque accumulation, lead to decay and damage the enamel (white portion of the tooth).
Avoiding soft drinks will help you have healthier, brighter teeth, and it also has other comprehensive health benefits.
#4. Not Too Hot, Not Too Cold:
Your teeth may be more sensitive after the whitening process. Because of this, you should avoid meals that are too hot or too cold as they can cause potential discomfort. If your teeth feel overly delicate, choose a toothpaste for sensitive teeth or a tooth desensitiser and if the problem persists, contact The House of Mouth or your dentist.
What to Eat After Teeth Whitening
As mentioned previously, you should aim to follow a “white diet” for at least 48 hours after a whitening procedure or home whitening treatment. This means trying to eat foods that are white in colour or colourless. These foods are free of dyes, pigments, and chemicals that lead to teeth stains. Here is a list of a few of the foods you can eat:
- Rice or pasta
- White bread
- Fish
- Chicken
- Tofu
- White sauces
- Yoghurt
- Pears
- Bananas
- Apples
- Cauliflower
- Potatoes
- Milk
Finally, also make sure to drink lots of water. This option presents no risk of staining your teeth, and it can help rinse any residue left from your meals.
What Not to Eat After Teeth Whitening
When it comes to foods and drinks to avoid after teeth whitening, the list is long (and, unfortunately, also very tasty):
- Foods with natural pigments or artificial dyes (e.g. curries, processed foods)
- Foods that contain refined sugars (e.g. lollies, chocolate)
- Dark fruits (e.g. cherries, blackberries)
- Acidic foods (e.g. pickles, citrus)
- Wine (both red and white)
- Soft drinks, coffee, and tea
Remember that this is only temporary! It’s safe to consume your favourite foods and drinks 48 hours after whitening, so stay strong and save that wine until after the 48-hour mark. And while this list probably contains a fair few of your favourite foods and drinks, just make sure to keep your eye on the prize – beautiful, white teeth!
Why Choose House of Mouth for your Tooth Whitening Aftercare Needs
Aftercare is almost as important as the procedure itself when it comes to teeth whitening. Depending on the method you choose, your teeth should retain their whiteness for about a year, and they can last longer with proper dental care at home. It is important to remember no matter what the whitening procedure your teeth will fade with time and will require top-up treatments to maintain your colour.
If you want the effects of your whitening procedure to last as long as possible, then House of Mouth is your best choice.
At House of Mouth, we offer an extensive range of handpicked professional-grade teeth whitening and oral care products. Our products are of the best quality and are recommended, used, and sold by dental practitioners across Australia.
If you’re unsure which product is right for you, we can help you choose.
(07) 55 34 8603
