To maintain the bright smile achieved after teeth whitening, it is important to pay attention to some simple but critical factors. The effect of the treatment may vary from person to person, but with the right habits, it is possible to extend the duration of whiteness. We have summarized for you the 8 important points to consider after teeth whitening. Here are the details…
How Does the Post-Whitening Process Progress?
Immediately after the teeth whitening treatment, a noticeable color lightening is generally observed in patients. However, in some cases, the effect of the treatment may spread over a few days. The first 24-48 hours after treatment are considered particularly critical. During this period, the pores on the tooth surface are still open and sensitive, requiring patients to avoid certain foods.
After teeth whitening, sensitivity to hot and cold and mild soreness may occur. This is normal and usually resolves on its own within a few days. It is recommended to regularly use painkillers prescribed by your doctor and sensitivity-reducing toothpaste or similar products.
The whitening effect typically lasts for 6-12 months on average. However, patients can maximize this duration by following the precautions after teeth whitening.
Precautions to Take After Teeth Whitening
To maintain the long-lasting results achieved after teeth whitening treatment, patients should adhere to certain rules. Especially during the first 24-48 hours post-treatment, microscopic pores formed on the tooth surface make it more susceptible to external factors. Therefore, care and diet during this period are very important.
The precautions to take after teeth whitening are as follows:
1- Avoid Colored Foods and Drinks
One of the first precautions after teeth whitening is to avoid staining foods and drinks. The treatment temporarily creates a porous structure on the tooth enamel. This makes the teeth more sensitive and permeable to external factors. Especially during the first 2 days, the color of teeth can be affected by diet. For a permanent white smile and to preserve the effect of the treatment, an appropriate diet should be adopted.
Foods and drinks to avoid after teeth whitening (bleaching) include:
- Dark-Colored Drinks: Tea, coffee, cherry juice, red wine, cola.
- Acidic Drinks: Fruit juices like orange and pomegranate juice, carbonated drinks.
- Colored Sauces and Foods: Tomato paste, ketchup, soy sauce, curry, and other heavily pigmented foods.
- Colored Vegetables: Beetroot, turnip, arugula, parsley, carrot.
- Others: Colored ice creams, candies, cakes.
Avoiding these foods and drinks completely is a temporary requirement. Especially during the period specified by your doctor, avoiding the above-listed items is crucial for lasting results.
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2- Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Products
Avoiding smoking and tobacco products is among the important post-whitening precautions. The sensitive structure of the tooth surface after treatment can easily discolor due to nicotine and tar found in tobacco products. Smoking should be stopped especially for the first week after the treatment.
Smoking is also risky for oral and dental health. It not only affects aesthetics but also paves the way for many problems threatening the tissues inside the mouth. If you want to maintain the effect of teeth whitening for a long time, this period can be a strong motivation to quit smoking.
3- Be Careful with Hot and Cold Foods
Sensitivity is a very common condition after teeth whitening treatment. Therefore, avoiding excessively hot or cold foods is another important precaution.
For example, very hot soup, coffee, or very cold foods like ice cream may cause sudden reactions on the tooth enamel. This can result in soreness, pain, and discomfort. To minimize sensitivity, it is advisable to avoid hot and cold foods.
4- Avoid Acidic and Sugary Drinks
Another important point after teeth whitening is to avoid acidic and sugary drinks. Acidic drinks can erode the sensitive tooth enamel and cause discoloration. Sugary drinks interact with the bacteria in the mouth, increasing acid production. This can lead to stains and cavities. It is especially important not to consume fruit juices, energy drinks, cola, and similar beverages for the first 10 days after whitening treatment.
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5- Pay Attention to Oral and Dental Hygiene
The most important factor in prolonging the effect of bleaching treatment is paying attention to oral and dental hygiene. Besides maintaining whiteness, this is also important for oral health and can help reduce sensitivity and pain.
Points to consider in oral hygiene are:
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily, in the morning and evening,
- Use fluoride-containing and sensitivity-reducing toothpastes,
- Choose alcohol-free mouthwashes without sensitivity-increasing ingredients,
- Keep interdental spaces clean with dental floss and interdental brushes,
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups.
Oral and dental hygiene plays a crucial role in reducing sensitivity and preventing staining, thereby preserving the whitening effect.
6- Re-Whitening Interval
Another important point after teeth whitening is the interval before repeating the treatment. Although the treatment can be repeated, it is recommended to wait 4-6 months between sessions for dental health. This allows the enamel to repair and sensitivity to decrease. Over-frequent whitening can damage the enamel, so good oral care is essential for lasting whiteness.
7- Take Proper Measures Against Tooth Sensitivity
Taking proper precautions against tooth sensitivity that may develop after the procedure is also very important. Some individuals may experience short-term soreness to hot or cold foods and drinks. Although usually temporary, using sensitivity-reducing toothpastes can improve comfort. Following your dentist’s advice will minimize potential problems.
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8- Avoid Chemical Products and Alternative Whiteners
One of the most important precautions after teeth whitening is to avoid alternative whiteners and chemical products. After treatment, teeth are temporarily sensitive and more exposed to external factors. Some powders, toothpastes, or natural products like lemon and baking soda sold on the market can damage the enamel.
These substances can have abrasive effects on the tooth surface, causing unwanted discolorations. For a healthy and lasting white smile in the long term, do not use any chemical or so-called natural products without your dentist’s recommendation.
