Teeth Whitening Post-Care (Do’s and Don’ts, Foods To Avoid and More)

woman brushing her white teeth

Teeth whitening comes with a severe self-esteem boost. Besides that, it enhances your smile, minimises the appearance of wrinkles, improves oral health, and has many other benefits. Few people, however, think about post-whitening care, yet this is crucial for long-term results. Read more below!

Post Care

While a tooth whitening process does not necessitate a significant dietary change, adhering to a post-care diet can help keep your teeth from yellowing again. This is especially critical in the first 48 hours after your surgery when the pores within the enamel are still exposed and easily stained. Here are foods that are Ok and those that are not:

Foods That Are Ok (The White Diet)

• Water
• Sparkling water
• Coconut water
• Skimmed milk
• Vodka
• Gin
• Low-fat yoghurt
• White wine
• White sauces
• White onions
• Crustless white bread
• Egg whites
• Rice Krispies
• Whitefish
• White rice
• White pasta
• Bananas
• Cottage cheese
• Chicken and turkey
• Potatoes (peeled)
• Cauliflowers

Foods To Avoid (Dyed Beverages and Colourful Foods)

• Orange Colored Foods, e.g., Carrots
• Berries and Beetroots, including in juices and baked goods
• Fruit or vegetable juice
• Coffee and tea
• Red wine
• Chocolate
• Energy drinks, colas, and other carbonated drinks
• Margarine and butter
• Red sauces
• Tomatoes
• Spinach, broccoli, and green vegetables
• Dark or stout beer
• Other colourful foods

Other Do’s

  1. Floss regularly. This removes any toxic build-up that may cause your teeth to be yellow. It also improves your oral hygiene to keep them white for longer.
  2. Drink using a straw. When you do this with a cup of tea, you’ll get some strange looks, but it will reduce the amount of liquid that comes into contact with your teeth, reducing discolouration.
  3. After each meal, rinse your mouth. Swish some water in your mouth shortly after eating to ensure that you don’t leave food or drinks in your mouth for too long.
  4. Take pain relievers and maintenance products. After your session, you can relieve it with your regular painkiller if you have any pain or sensitivity. Moreover, maintenance products like enamel boosters strengthen your tooth enamel and seal your whitening effects.
  5. Use smudge-resistant lipstick or lip gloss. Avoid getting lip makeup on your teeth, especially if you wear it regularly. If you’re not careful, they can leave a permanent stain on the enamel.

Don’ts

  1. Don’t smoke a lot or consume a lot of booze. Nicotine and tannins contained in alcoholic drinks can undo the effects of tooth whitening.
  2. Don’t use your old toothpaste again. Replace your toothpaste with whitening toothpaste. It can help dissolve particles and oxidise stains before they can discolour your teeth again.
  3. Don’t reduce teeth brushing. Brush your teeth at least twice. Oral hygiene can help your dental procedure last longer and maintain your mouth as healthy as possible.
  4. Don’t consume acidic foods or beverages or overly hot or cold liquids. Acidic foods and drinks can cause the pores in the tooth enamel to open up, while very cold or hot foods cause temperature changes in your teeth which allow stains to penetrate.

Related post: How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

Book Your Teeth Whitening Session Today With the Experts in Rockingham

Many people like whitening their teeth, but whitening doesn’t stop at the dentist. It is crucial to follow these aftercare instructions because they will provide long-term advantages.

Visit us for your professional teeth whitening session and competent aftercare advice. Please get in touch with our office so that we can assist you. Call us at 9527 1093 today!

 

Dr. Hari Menon

Dr. Hari Menon

Hari is an owner of Rockingham Dental Centre. A graduate from the University of Western Australia, Hari’s dental career has taken him as far as Darwin where he has had experience in many rural areas with indigenous communities. He has also completed numerous hours of continuing education with an emphasis on aesthetic dentistry ranging from ceramic inlays/onlays, veneers, crowns and restorations for implants. He is always eager for the latest tech and gadgets available on the market.

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