Preserving the color of your teeth after a successful whitening procedure is crucial. While your teeth might appear smooth and solid, they are actually covered in tiny microscopic pores. These pores allow pigments from food and drinks to penetrate and stain your teeth from within. Additionally, your teeth may already be somewhat porous even before undergoing professional whitening. For the first 48 hours, it’s vital to avoid substances that can cause discoloration.
How Can You Keep Your Teeth White?
The first 48 hours post-whitening are the most important. Follow these tips to maintain your bright smile after a professional teeth whitening session.
1. Avoid beverages such as coffee, red wine, fruit juice, dark sodas, beer, and black tea—these can stain your teeth just like they would stain your clothes.
2. Stay away from dark sauces, which are known to cause stains. Some examples include soy sauce, red pasta sauce, and barbecue sauce.
3. Stick to foods that are light in color after whitening. Items like cauliflower, milk, pasta, rice, white cream sauces, eggs, whitefish, feta cheese, skinless chicken breast, tofu, peeled potatoes, plain yogurt, and clear coconut water are excellent choices for the post-treatment period.
4. Refrain from consuming acidic or sour foods, such as citrus fruits like oranges and lemons. These can weaken your enamel and make your teeth more susceptible to staining.
5. Use a straw when drinking beverages that may stain your teeth. This helps to minimize contact between the liquid and your teeth.
6. Avoid consuming food that is too hot or too cold, as your teeth will likely be more sensitive after whitening. Stick to lukewarm or room-temperature foods to prevent discomfort, and consider using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.
7. Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing regularly is crucial for keeping your teeth looking their best post-whitening. Since you’ve invested time and effort into whitening them, make sure to brush soon after consuming foods or drinks that could stain them.
8. After one week, start using whitening toothpaste. Your teeth will be more sensitive and porous immediately after the treatment, so it’s best to avoid these products right away. However, once the sensitivity diminishes, incorporating a whitening toothpaste into your routine can help extend the brightness of your smile for longer than regular toothpaste.
For as long as possible, limit your intake of foods and drinks that cause staining, even beyond the first 48 hours. How well you maintain these habits will directly impact how long your teeth stay white. With proper care, the effects of your whitening treatment can last between 6 months to a year.
Does Teeth Whitening Damage Your Teeth?
There’s no need to worry about damaging your teeth with professional whitening, as the process doesn’t remove enamel. However, unsupervised home treatments may lead to problems such as sensitivity and other dental issues over time.
Which Teeth Are Hard to Whiten?
As you age, your enamel naturally wears down, exposing the underlying dentin layer, which has a yellowish tone. Whitening treatments cannot alter the color of dentin, making the procedure less effective on older teeth.
Can Teeth with Fillings or Crowns Be Whitened?
If you have crowns or fillings, they will not whiten along with your natural teeth. The materials used in these dental treatments are not porous, meaning they cannot absorb the whitening gel. Be mindful of this to avoid uneven color results after your whitening session.
Recommended Teeth Whitening Products from Dentists
Before starting any whitening treatment, Dr. Fatih recommends getting a thorough dental checkup and cleaning. Having clean teeth can enhance the effects of whitening, as they are more capable of absorbing the whitening solutions.
Our dentists may also provide you with home whitening trays. These trays complement your in-office treatment, helping to extend the results. However, if you have sensitive teeth, it might be best to wait before using them. If you regularly consume foods and beverages that cause stains, using the trays every six months can help maintain your whitened teeth. Each session with a tray should last one to two hours, but try to limit yourself to two touch-ups per session.
To schedule a teeth cleaning or professional whitening session with our cosmetic dentist, feel free to call us or send a message online.