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If you whiten your teeth, then of course you want to make sure that you get the most out of your treatment – and we’re here to help. In this article, we look at the dos and don’ts of teeth whitening, to help you ensure your teeth stay whiter for longer.
Dos 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 for longer.
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 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 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 into your teeth, leading to discolouration.
Because of this, we recommend following a “white diet” after teeth whitening. This is simply a diet comprised primarily of white and light-coloured foods such as fish, chicken, tofu, yoghurt, cheese, etc., (see more below). Try and stick to these foods as much as possible for the first few days after your whitening procedure – it will be worth it, we promise!
#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.
Don'ts 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 immediately after whitening treatment (wait at least 2 hours).
#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 notice that your teeth begin to stain, there are various options you can use at home to get your teeth white again. We recommend avoiding these types of foods and drinks for at least 48 hours after each treatment or consume in moderation.
#3. Reduce Sugar Intake:
The amount of 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 might 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! Water is always good. Drink more of it!
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 will fade over time and you will require top-up treatments to maintain your colour.
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
