5 Things to Avoid After Whitening Your Teeth

Investing in professional teeth whitening is an excellent way to improve your smile’s appearance and boost your confidence. It’s essential to understand that immediately after teeth whitening, your teeth are more susceptible to discoloration and stains. Therefore, the duration of your results following teeth whitening depends largely on your actions, particularly within the first 48 hours post-treatment. 

Here are some recommendations for maximizing the benefits of your in-office teeth whitening procedure and maximizing your investment. Professional teeth whitening offers an ideal solution for those seeking to enhance and brighten their smile. This treatment can effectively eliminate undesired stains and discoloration. However, following professional teeth whitening, it’s crucial to take specific precautions to preserve the achieved results. Continue reading to discover five things to avoid after undergoing professional teeth whitening.

Avoid Drinking Colored Beverages

You may like a glass of red wine in the evening or a cup of coffee in the morning, just like most people do. But colored drinks can leave stains on your teeth. Select healthier substitutes such as white wine, milk, coconut milk, water, and clear alcohol. If you must have your coffee in the morning, use a straw to reduce the amount of liquid that comes into contact with your teeth.

Avoid Eating Colored Food

A wide variety of foods should be avoided following tooth whitening, much as colored beverages. The following are examples of these: richly colored fruits, vegetables, and berries (such as beets, tomatoes, and pomegranates), dark-colored sauces (like tomato or pasta sauce), vibrant spices (like curry, turmeric, and paprika), chocolate, and colored candies (like M&Ms, Skittles, and so on). If something can discolor a white shirt, it’s likely to discolor your teeth as well. Select foods that have a lighter color, like tofu, grilled chicken breast, cheese, white fish, cauliflower, and pasta.

Avoid Spicy and Acidic Foods

Avoid eating hot or acidic foods immediately after a professional teeth-whitening treatment. These foods can restain your teeth and cause discomfort. It’s best to steer clear of spicy and acidic foods like pickles, salsa, curry, and acidic fruits for at least 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. The bleach used in tooth bleaching weakens your tooth enamel, making it susceptible to further damage from highly acidic beverages and foods, such as citrus fruit, pickled foods, and processed meats. Refraining from acidic foods for at least 48 hours post-whitening can minimize discomfort and help maintain your newly whitened smile.

Head Avoid Tobacco Products

Over time, tobacco use and smoking can lead to the formation of tooth stains. It is crucial to completely avoid smoking and other tobacco products after receiving professional teeth whitening in Cincinnati, OH, tobacco products are notorious for causing stubborn stains.

Smoking not only causes tooth stains but also introduces nicotine into the body, potentially leading to gum disease and tooth discoloration. It is highly advisable to refrain from smoking for at least 48 hours following a professional teeth whitening treatment.

Chewing tobacco contains flavorings that can damage teeth and the soft tissues in the mouth, causing discoloration. After undergoing professional tooth bleaching, it is important to avoid using any type of chewing tobacco product.

Following a professional teeth whitening procedure, it is recommended to abstain from using e-cigarettes for at least 24 to 48 hours, even though the potential for causing discoloration is still uncertain. This precaution is necessary because the contents of e-cigarettes are largely unknown and could potentially lead to tooth discoloration or other issues.

Brush Your Teeth Regularly

You still need to clean your teeth regularly to keep them shining white even after tooth bleaching. After tooth bleaching, sensitivity is typical, so use a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth. Additionally, consider using mouthwash and toothpaste designed especially for sensitive teeth to help reduce sensitivity.

To maximize the effectiveness of your teeth whitening procedure, it is crucial to steer clear of certain foods, beverages, tobacco, and specific medications. Refraining from consuming hot spices, acidic foods, and drinks, as well as abstaining from smoking or using chewing tobacco products, along avoiding medications like Tetracycline or antihistamines, can contribute to optimal results following professional teeth whitening.