Whitening

Caring for Your Smile After Professional Whitening

Your teeth look brighter, and a few simple habits over the next couple of days will help those results last as long as possible. Right after whitening, your teeth are a bit more porous than usual, which means they soak up color more easily and can feel a touch more sensitive. The tips below will help you protect your new smile and keep things comfortable.

Steer Clear of Staining Foods and Drinks

For the first 48 hours, your teeth are extra prone to picking up stains. That means it is best to skip the usual culprits: coffee, tea, red wine, dark sodas, and deeply pigmented foods like blueberries, blackberries, beets, and tomato sauce. If you must have your morning coffee, sipping through a straw can help limit contact with your teeth.

Hold Off on Smoking

If you smoke, give it a break for at least 48 hours after your appointment. Tobacco is one of the fastest ways to undo whitening results and can also stain teeth quickly while they are still in this more porous state.

Watch Out for Colored Oral Products

Some toothpastes, mouthwashes, and rinses contain dyes that can leave a tint behind on freshly whitened teeth. Stick with clear or white options for the next day or two to protect your results.

Skip Acidic and Abrasive Products

Citrus fruits, sodas, and other acidic foods and drinks can soften enamel temporarily, especially right after whitening. Same goes for harsh, abrasive toothpastes or stiff-bristle brushes. Going gentle now helps your enamel stay strong.

Brush and Floss with a Light Touch

Stick with a soft-bristle toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste, and take it easy when you brush and floss. Whitening toothpastes are best left on the shelf for the first few days, since they can amp up sensitivity.

Manage Sensitivity

Some people notice mild sensitivity to hot or cold for a day or two after whitening, and that is completely normal. If we sent you home with a desensitizing gel or recommended a sensitivity toothpaste, use it as directed. It can make a real difference in how comfortable your teeth feel during this short adjustment period.

Keep Up Your Daily Routine

Brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily are still the best things you can do for a bright, healthy smile. Consistent oral hygiene helps your whitening results stick around much longer.

Come In for Your Check-Ins

If we have scheduled a follow-up to look at your results, make sure to come in. We want to be sure you are happy with the brightness of your smile and that your teeth and gums are doing well.

Drink Plenty of Water

Sipping water throughout the day helps rinse away potential stains, supports your enamel, and can ease any lingering sensitivity. It is one of the simplest things you can do to look after your new smile.

Everyone's experience is a little different, and a bit of short-term sensitivity is nothing to worry about. Following these simple steps in the days right after whitening will help you get the most out of your results and keep your smile feeling great. If you ever have questions, the team at Perfect Smile Dental Care is just a phone call away.