Professional teeth whitening: 10 aftercare tips
Caring for whitened teeth is an important step to maintain the new and improved shade for as long as possible. This guide comprises 10 valuable tips to follow in the first 48 hours following treatment. Maximise your white smile with this easy-to-follow list for smile whitening aftercare.
Not started your smile whitening journey yet?
Learn about professional whitening with Impress, explore our clinic locations and book your consultation here. Alternatively, you can read more about straightening your smile with aligners from Impress, here.
Now, let's get into those teeth whitening tips. First up...
Try to avoid staining foods
- Red fruits on your muesli
- Soy sauce on a stir-fry
- A bit of chocolate after lunch
As nice as they are to eat, stain-rich foods should be avoided in the first 48 hours after your whitening treatment (and beyond, ideally). If you do end up eating these foods after whitening, rinse your mouth well with warm water as soon as possible after consumption. The right foods can help to strengthen your enamel and dentin.
Say no to staining liquids
Drinks such as coffee, tea, tomato sauces, colourful spices and anything else in these categories can compromise the whiteness of your teeth.
Our rule is if it can stain a white shirt, it can stain your teeth. We advise patients to avoid staining beverages, and if they can't avoid them completely, to try and reduce their intake. Minimise the risks of anything that has the potential to stain the surface of your teeth and use a straw.
Stop consuming carbonated drinks
Similar categories of consumables to avoid are carbonated drinks and acidic foods like vinegar and citrus fruits. In addition, avoid any extremes in temperature between hot and cold foods and drinks. Eating and drinking them can result in increased sensitivity after whitening. Room temperature water is the safest choice over fizzy drinks for the first few days at least.
Use a desensitising toothpaste
Having tooth sensitivity after a teeth whitening procedure is quite a common side effect. A whitening toothpaste for sensitive teeth is a great investment to minimise the chance of this happening.
We recommend that you start using it prior to your treatment and continue using it after your dental care. There are lots of sensitive toothpastes on the market; talk to your dentist beforehand for recommendations on the best one to use.
Ensure you use fluoride-based products
After professional whitening your teeth are more sensitive and the tooth enamel and the surface underneath (also known as dentin) is more permeable. Not to worry! Sticking to fluoride based toothpastes will protect and reinforce the enamel on the surface of your teeth.
Make a plan to cut out smoking
Deciding to get your teeth whitened is a terrific time to also consider quitting smoking. A double win for your health! Smoking is one of the biggest contributors to teeth staining, discolouration and gum disease. To maximise whiter teeth and reduce the risk of re-staining, try to create a strategy to reduce, stop or abstain from smoking in the first few days at the very least.
Brush your teeth regularly
Brushing teeth regularly should go without saying. At minimum twice a day, but we recommend brushing after each meal to reduce any food or drink contact with your teeth. Adding flossing and mouthwash to your routine is optimal for protecting your oral health and preserving whiteness, too.
Avoid overuse of whitening products
Caring for bleached teeth is important to our patients, and we understand that. Despite your commitment to look after your teeth, it's important to be cautious. Overuse of over-the-counter teeth whitening products after treatment can have dangerous effects. The excessive use of whitening products after treatment can result in increased sensitivity and enamel damage.
Limit your alcohol intake
You might not know it, but alcohol affects not only your body but also your teeth. Drinking alcohol results in dehydration and the reduction of saliva production, making your mouth more susceptible to decaying teeth and staining.
Book your next dental appointment
Having your teeth regularly checked is an important part of your overall wellbeing and health, regardless of if they have been whitened, or not.
The medical team at Impress recommends scheduling your next routine dental appointment as soon as possible after whitening to ensure you are supported by your regular dentist to resolve any concerns with hygiene and whitening maintenance.
Want a whiter smile?
We hope these aftercare tips for teeth whitening are helpful. We love helping patients transform their confidence and achieve smiles that are white and straight!
If you want help to remove stains, we can help with our professional whitening service. Don't hesitate to contact us so we can help you start your smile whitening journey - a worthwhile investment.
FAQ's about professional whitening
How much is teeth whitening in the UK?
Teeth whitening costs in the UK can range from between £200 to £1,000. You can pay as little as £29.17 to get your LED whitening treatment at Impress with our monthly payment plan.
How long do teeth whitening results last?
Results of teeth whitening and the length of time results may last vary from patient to patient. It’s important to follow all of the aftercare guidance to maximise the outcome of your treatment and maintain whiteness for as long as possible.
Can teeth whitening remove all the stains from my teeth?
Teeth whitening treatments can effectively remove most of the surface stains caused by food, drink and tobacco. There is however a difference between intrinsic and extrinsic staining which means that some discoloration and stains may require additional treatments to achieve the desired results. You can book a free consultation with us at your nearest clinic to determine the most suitable treatment for your situation.
