A brighter, radiant smile can significantly boost your self-confidence and leave a lasting impression. It's no wonder that teeth whitening has become a popular cosmetic dental procedure. However, achieving those pearly whites is just the beginning of your journey to a dazzling smile. Proper teeth whitening aftercare is essential to maintain the results and ensure the health of your teeth.
In this blog, you will understand how the teeth whitening process works and explore some dos and don’ts for aftercare teeth whitening. We find out what foods to avoid after teeth whitening and what you can eat. So, let's get started.
How Teeth Whitening Works?
Before we delve into the before and after teeth whitening care tips, it is crucial to understand how teeth whitening works. Teeth often become discoloured due to various factors, including ageing, dietary choices, smoking, and poor oral hygiene. Teeth whitening procedures aim to remove these stains and discolourations, resulting in a brighter smile.
This is performed by a cosmetic therapist or dentist and involves the application of a highly concentrated whitening gel on your teeth. A special LED light may is used to activate the gel, which accelerates the whitening process. This kind of treatment delivers quick and instant noticeable results, leaving you with a brilliant smile.
Precautions to Take Before Teeth Whitening
To achieve the best results, you must abide by certain teeth whitening before and after tips. Here are some precautions to consider before the treatment:
Consult a Dentist: Before undergoing any procedure, consult with your dentist. They can assess your oral health, identify any underlying issues, and recommend an oral hygeine.
Consult a Dentist:
Before undergoing any procedure, consult with your dentist. They can assess your oral health, identify any underlying issues, and recommend an oral hygeine.
Address Dental Problems:
Ensure your existing dental issues, such as cavities or gum disease, are treated before whitening. Whitening can exacerbate these problems and lead to discomfort.
Discuss Sensitivity:
If you have a history of tooth sensitivity, discuss this with your dentist. They may recommend specific desensitising products accordingly.
Dos & Don'ts for Teeth Whitening After Care
After achieving a brighter smile, it's important to ensure that the results last. Here are some crucial dos and don'ts for post-teeth whitening care:
Dos:
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene:
Brush and floss regularly to prevent the buildup of stains. Consider using a whitening toothpaste to help maintain your results.
Consume the ‘White Diet’ Foods:
If you had an in-chair whitening treatment, follow the White Diet aftercare instructions diligently. No stainy foods and drinks for 48 hrs post treatment.
Use a Straw:
When drinking beverages that can stain your teeth. This minimises contact between the liquid and your teeth.
Regular Dental Checkups:
Continue to visit your dentist for regular checkups and oral hygeine to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy.
Don'ts:
Avoid Staining Foods and Beverages:
Steer clear of foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, especially immediately after whitening. These include coffee, tea, red wine, and brightly coloured fruits like berries.
Quit Smoking:
Smoking is a significant contributor to tooth discolouration. If you smoke, consider quitting or at least reducing your tobacco use.
Skip Dark-Colored Sauces:
Foods with dark sauces, like soy sauce or tomato sauce, can contribute to staining. Opt for lighter alternatives or rinse your mouth after consuming them.
Limit Sugary Snacks:
Sugary snacks promote tooth decay and can affect the overall appearance of your teeth. Try to minimise your consumption of sugary treats.
What Foods to Avoid After Teeth Whitening?
A crucial part of teeth whitening aftercare is to avoid or limit certain foods and beverages that can stain your teeth. Here are some of the main culprits to watch out for:
Coffee:
The deep colour and acidity of coffee can lead to teeth staining. If you can't give it up, try to drink it through a straw.
Teas:
Both black and herbal teas can stain teeth. Green tea is a less staining alternative.
Red Wine:
The tannins in red wine are notorious for causing tooth discolouration.
Berries:
Blueberries, blackberries, and other deeply coloured berries can leave stains on your teeth. Opt for lighter fruits like apples or pears.
Curry and Red Pasta Sauces:
The vibrant yellow and red pigments can stain teeth.
What Can I Eat After Teeth Whitening?
While it is important to avoid foods and beverages that can stain your teeth, there are still plenty of delicious options that won't compromise your newly whitened smile. Here are some tooth-friendly foods for both before and after teeth whitening:
Dairy Products:
Cheese, yogurt, and milk are rich in calcium and help strengthen tooth enamel.
Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables:
Apples, carrots, and celery act as natural abrasives, cleaning the teeth while you chew.
Lean Proteins:
Chicken, turkey, and fish are excellent sources of protein and won't stain your teeth.
Nuts:
Almonds and cashews are good sources of protein and low in staining compounds.
Water:
Staying hydrated is essential for overall oral health. Water helps rinse away food particles and prevent stains.
Frequently Asked Questions
People are often full of queries when it comes to teeth whitening aftercare. Here, we answer some common ones.
1. How long are teeth porous after whitening?
After whitening, the porosity of your teeth after whitening depends on several factors, including the whitening method used and your oral care habits. Generally, teeth can be more susceptible to staining for a few days, typically 48 hrs after whitening. During this time, it is essential to follow a strict aftercare routine to minimise staining.
2. What to do after teeth whitening?
Wrapping Up
Teeth whitening is a fantastic way to enhance your smile and boost your self-confidence. However, proper teeth whitening after care is required to maintain that brighter smile. Avoid foods and beverages that can cause staining, and follow mentioned instructions.
If you're seeking safe and trusted teeth whitening services in Adelaide, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Alexia Makeup Hair Beauty today.