There are plenty of reasons why people get their teeth whitened, primarily for aesthetics and to brighten their smile. Some common reasons include stain removal, aging, genetics, injury, etc. Follow-up care is important for maintaining the whitening your teeth receive during the procedure, and you’ll want to avoid undoing the progress you’ve made!
What to do after in-office teeth whitening
Here are a few standard post-operative instructions after a teeth-whitening procedure:
- Avoid foods and drinks that stain within the first 48 hours, such as coffee, tea, red wine, berries, sauces, or dark-colored drinks.
- Refrain from smoking or using tobacco products within the first 48 hours of your procedure.
- Keep up daily dental hygiene, brushing your teeth twice a day along with flossing (electric toothbrushes especially)
- For sensitivity, use toothpaste such as Sensodyne for desensitizing.
- Maintain proper follow-up care with whitening trays or gels recommended by your dentist.
Diet restrictions after teeth whitening
Reiterating what was stated before, avoid foods or drinks that are more likely to stain your teeth within the first 48 hours, including:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Berries
- Red sauces
- Dark-colored beverages
Here’s a list of foods and beverages you can typically consume safely after a teeth-whitening:
- Milk
- Water
- Clear sodas
- Bananas
- Apples (without peel)
- White bread
- Flour tortillas
- Oatmeal
- Cream of wheat
- Plain yogurts
- White cheese
- Sour cream
- Cottage cheese
- White rice
- Baked potato
- Plain pasta with white sauce
- Turkey
- Chicken breast (without skin)
- Fish (white)
If you have any questions or concerns about what you can or cannot eat soon after your procedure, contact your dentist for advice.
Follow-up appointments after teeth whitening
Be sure to keep up with your regular dental checkups to monitor your oral health and the results of your whitening procedure. Also, make sure to use touch-up treatments as recommended by your dentist.
How to manage sensitivity after teeth whitening
Besides using desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne, consider avoiding extreme temperatures in the foods you’re consuming, especially soon after your procedure. Eating or drinking very hot or very cold food or beverages can cause discomfort, especially during this time.
Teeth Whitening at AZ Family Dental
From preventative care to emergency dental procedures and cosmetics, we offer the best the industry has to offer in oral hygiene, diagnostics, and treatments.
Our full spectrum of dental services include:
- General Care
- Preventative Care
- Cosmetic Services
- Removals
- Periodontal Care
- Orthodontics
- Tooth Replacement
- Prosthodontist Care
Schedule an appointment for you and your family today to get started!