The Do's and Don'ts of Teeth Whitening

If you’re looking to get your teeth whitened professionally by your cosmetic dentist north wales or with an at-home whitening kit, there are some things you should do and some things you should absolutely avoid during the process. Let’s take a look at the do’s and don’ts of teeth whitening

Avoid yellowing foods

While it may be tempting to dig into a juicy slice of watermelon after your dentist treatment, you may want to stay away from some yellowing foods. Steer clear of hard-boiled eggs, bananas, soy sauce, mustard and anything else that’s been sitting out at room temperature for a while. These kinds of foods can cause temporary tooth sensitivity or make your teeth seem even darker than they actually are.

Wait until all sensitivity goes away

After you’ve gotten your teeth whitened, there will be some sensitivity to hot, cold or acidic foods. If you brush your teeth too soon after having them whitened, these sensitivities will flare up again and make it difficult for you to eat normally. Give yourself a few days to fully recover before taking on any serious eating challenges.

Use fluoride toothpaste

Fluoride helps slow down tooth decay by strengthening enamel, meaning your teeth can stay strong even when you’re not using a whitening solution. This also reduces your risk of cavities and stains, both of which can prevent your teeth from getting as white as possible with at-home bleaching. When choosing a toothpaste, try to pick one that contains fluoride.

Take good care of your gums

When you’re getting your teeth whitened, it’s important to take care of your gums. Healthy gums are vital to healthy teeth, so make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. You should also floss every day and visit your dentist regularly for cleanings. Your dentist can also recommend specific products or treatments that may help maintain gum health during teeth whitening.

Stay consistent

The process isn’t quick. Many people see results after one treatment, but if you want a brighter smile, it will take time. Commit to whitening your teeth twice a day for several weeks—then maintain with regular touch-ups to keep your pearly whites as bright as can be. It also helps to pay attention to what’s going in your mouth between whitenings; avoid coffee, tea and red wine until you achieve your desired level of brightness.

Check on sensitivity regularly

The sensitivity after teeth whitening typically lasts anywhere from a couple hours to a few days, depending on how sensitive your teeth are to begin with. If you do get sensitivity after whitening, treat it like a sunburn—it needs time to heal. The more often you whiten your teeth (if they require touch-ups), the less sensitive they will be each time, until there is no sensitivity at all.